04.12.2017

Bracket clock with music box by John Taylor London

We are auctioning a beautiful bracket clock in our December 2017 Auction. The hand crafted clock made by John Taylor of London dates back to the 18th century.

Lot 1972, Bracket clock with music box by John Taylor of London. Auction House Helander.

History of bracket clocks

A bracket clock is a style of antique portable table clock made in the 17th and 18th centuries. A bracket clock is often a larger antique clock, generally made from wood. The term originated from small weight-driven pendulum clocks that had to be mounted on a bracket on the wall to allow room for their hanging weights. The name bracket clock is also known as a table clock, because by the middle of 18th century bracket clocks were placed on the tables and sideboards, not on brackets as the name suggests.

In the past clocks were expensive, so there wasn´t a clock in every room of the household. This is why bracket clocks usually had handles, so you could carry the clock from room to room. Like I mentioned before the bracket clocks usually sat on the tables, but back in the day the floors were uneven so you could also put the clocks on the brackets.

Lot 1972, Bracket clock with music box by John Taylor of London. Auction House Helander.

Lot 1972, pictures form the inside of the beautifully hand crafted clock by John Taylor of London.

Lot 1972, Bracket clock with music box by John Taylor of London

John Taylor of London was a highly skilled clockmaker with a good reputation. Taylor didn´t sell his clocks himself, he made complete clocks to be retailed by other clockmakers. One of the reasons why he did this might be that many of the top clockmakers couldn´t keep up with demand, so he helped them the best way he could. Taylor engraved his name to the dial and backplate, otherwise his clocks were similar to the retailers clocks.

Bracket clocks in the 17th and 18th centuries were hand-crafted. The style of bracket clocks may vary from minimalist to decorative, from square to curved. John Taylor of London made more decorative models, and he is well-known of them.

The piece we are auctioning has the perfect mix of curves and decors, in my opinion. This Bracket clock also has a dial for “chime – not chime” and there are six tunes you can choose from. The tunes include; Hornpipe, Madrigal, Tigg, Air, March and Dance.

There are some defects to this beautiful clock. You may see more by clicking here or by clicking the text below. For more information, you are more than welcome to contact us by email mika@huutokauppahelander.com or by phone +358 900 319 50.