A Fine Quarter Chiming Bracket Clock By John Bennett of Cheapside, London

Object Description

The walnut case, of architectural form, is supported on the original bracket, being carved with ribbands, anthemions, and pylons in the Egyptian manner, surmounted by a triangulated pediment; the sides have the sound vents dressed with a fretwork sphinx, and a camel; the movement is driven by a complex triple chain fusee with a deadbeat escapement, and the hours struck on a single bell, the quarter hours being struck on 8 bells; the 8 inch silvered dial is signed by the maker, with the address of 65 & 64 Cheapside, dating the clock to 1857-1863, and has the hours marked in Roman numerals, indicated by elaborate blued steel hands.

London, Circa 1860

Object Literature

John Bennett (1814-1897) was a third generation clockmaker; holder of Royal Warrants between 1847-1895; elevated to the peerage in 1872; Knight of the Royal Legion of Honour; Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society; Freeman of the City of London; the British Museum possesses one of his minute repeaters, and a bracket clock was purchased by Charles Dickens, which may be seen at the Charles Dickens Museum in Doughty Street, Camden, London.

Object Condition

Excellent; in working condition

Object Details