Bracket clock

Date1680-1710

Artist/Maker Richard Colston

MediumBrass and steel movement with gilded and silvered dial plate; ebony oak, glass, polyster (replaced) and silver.

DimensionsOH: 15"; W: 10 1/8"; Diam: 6 3/8".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-480

DescriptionBracket clock with low, dome-topped case surmounted by a silver carrying handle, applied pierced silver foliate mounts backed by fabric on front and sides of dome, and four silver urn and foliate finials at each corner; front of clock composed of a hinged case door consisting of a wooden frame around a square glass, frame has matching silver escutcheons (one false) on either side of door and long pierced silver foliate mounts above and below glazing, the upper mounts backed by fabric; sides of case have large rectangular glazed lights with a horizontal oval glazed light above; back consists of a hinged glazed square door within a frame with two silver escutcheons (one false) on either side of glazing; all over a molded base and four flattened ball feet with silver foliate mounts.

Square clock dial with matted center; silvered chapter ring with roman hour numerals interspersed with arrow half hour markers and small Arabic minute numerals around exterior of ring; three winding holes; silvered alarm dial with Arabic numerals and pointer around center arbor; foliate hour and minute hands; applied cast cherub spandrels in corners.

Back plate engraved with foliate design around central oval cartouch containing engraved maker's name "Richard Colston/ London"; ornate foliate shaped and engraved backcock apron supports a short pendulum.

Repeater cord extends from under clock.

Eight day striking movement with quarter repeat mechanism and alarm. Two train, hour striking, quarter repeating on three bells, and alarm.
Label TextThis English bracket clock features elements characteristic of upscale London examples of the late 17th century. These include the black ebony-veneered case, the low domed top, silver mounts, and square dial. This clock also has an alarm, which can be set using the pointer on the small dial around the clock’s hands.

Some bracket clocks including this example have a repeating cord. When the cord was pulled, bells chimed the nearest quarter hour. This was especially useful at night when the dial was difficult to see.
InscribedEngraved on backplate: "Richard Colston/ London"

Exhibition(s)