A Large English-made Bracket Clock. Retailed by Thomas Kirkpatrick in New York. Quarter striking movement. 221102.
Thomas Kirkpatrick began a multi-generational retail store specializing in silver services, flatware, and jewelry. The first shop was located at 305 Broadway in 1871 and later moved to 334 Fifth Ave, 662 Fifth Ave., and Waldorf Astoria Hotel (301 Park Ave.). Teddy Roosevelt is said to have patronized his store.
This is an impressive oak-cased bracket clock that features gilt-bronze applied brass castings, a brass composite dial signed by the retailer Thomas Kirkpatrick, and a three-train quarter striking movement. This example is English-made and of excellent quality.
This wooden cabinet is constructed in oak and has been recently refinished to a pleasing honey-brown tone. This finish complements the color of the numerous brass castings. The cabinet is elevated on four applied brass hairy paw feet. The wooden base molding supports a detailed brass casting that transitions the eye to the main section of the case. The front corners of the main cabinet are canted and fitted with traditionally themed brass castings. The front door is arched in form and fitted with glass and a brass mask that will frame the dial. Cast brass dial spandrels are mounted in the upper corners. The sides of this case are fitted with rectangular-shaped openings featuring lovely pierced cast brass screens backed with red silk. This material serves several purposes. First, it provides dust production for the works. The deep red color contrasts nicely with the yellow brass. And it also allows the sound of the bell, when struck inside the case, to escape more easily than if these windows were solid wood. Above these openings are fancy cast brass carrying handles. The rear door is quite large. The opening is also fitted with a brass diamond pattern screen. A dome-shaped pediment surmounts the top of the clock case. The facade features a decorative brass casting. Five brass finials surmount the case. One is positioned on each of the four corners, and the last is mounted at the top of the pediment on the dome.
This fusee-powered "Victorian Chimer" is a three-train design. It is designed to strike the hours and quarter hours. However, one can turn the striking portion of the movement on and off as desired. If you choose to set the clock up to strike, then you can have it strike just the hours on a large coil wire gong mounted behind the movement. If you choose to have it strike the quarter hours, then the clock will strike on each quarter-hour on a nest of eight graduated bells. These are mounted above the clockworks. In addition, the operator can choose one of two tunes with a selector hand located in the arch of the dial. You have the choice of having it strike the Westminster chiming sequence. This tune was made popular by the Act of Parliament clock, BIG BEN, in London. You also have the option of having it strike an eight-bell sequence. Both tunes are progressive. This heavily constructed movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. Two large plates are supported by traditionally shaped brass pillars or posts. The back plate on this example is fully engraved. The engraving decoration also extends to the pendulum bob. The gearing is brass, and the pinions are steel. The movement is spring-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It incorporates a fusee cone in each train, so the power is equalized over the period of the run. This movement features a rack and snail striking system. All in all, it is of excellent quality.
The dial is brass and is constructed from a brass sheet fitted with several decorative elements. The four cast corner spandrels are applied to the dial and frame the time ring. This time ring has been finished in a silver wash. The time ring is formatted with Arabic-style five-minute markers separated from the large Roman-style hour numerals by a closed minute ring. The inside surface area of the time ring has been textured. This design contrasts the dial and the black steel hour and minute hands. Additional spandrels are located in the arch of the dial. These are also used to frame the three additional silver rings situated there. The one on the left is the silent/strike indicator or shut-off. To the right of this is the tune selector. Your choice is WESTMINSTER CHIMES or CHIME ON EIGHTS BELLS. The center ring is an external adjustment for the timing of the clock. The retailer's name is engraved on a plaque mounted below the hour numeral XII.
This clock measures a full 25 inches tall to the top of the central finial. In addition, this clock is 16.5 inches wide and 12.5 inches deep at the feet. This fine example was made circa 1890.
Inventory number 221102.
