Thomas Wedge, York, England. This English-made Time-only Skeleton Clock is a unique piece adorned with nautically themed engravings that set it apart from other examples. 222044.

Skeleton clocks always attract a lot of attention in our shop. We usually put one on the counter of the first show as you enter our shop’s door. The exposed mechanism protected by a glass dome allows the observer to clearly illustrate the workings behind the dial of most of the wooden cased wall or mantel clocks. Skeleton clocks are helpful in describing how spring-powered clocks operate.

This very decorative example is designed with A-framed-shaped brass plates. These are mounted to a wooden two-tiered base. The upper section is covered in red cloth. The lower exposed wooden section features a dark finish and is supported on four turned wooden feet. The glass dome fits in a channel in the wooden section. This helps secure it in place. The dome is a dust cover and protects the mechanism from dust and other contaminants. It also lets one view the clock and its movement from all angles. This dome is original.

The brass frames are decoratively formed and pierced, leaving a rafter format. They have been recently polished and protected with a light lacquer Finish. The bright finish is excellent. Interestingly, the upper section of the front frame is decorated with a fully rigged sailing ship. This design is fretted out and enhanced with engraving work—the lower sections of the framing feature multiple spurs that visually support the brass structure. The middle sections are pieced, exposing the internal workings of the gear train. Hardened steel shafts support the brass gearing. This mechanism is a single-train design and incorporates a fall-off strike. The decoratively formed hammer is loaded on the hour. When released, it strikes a single blow on a bell mounted behind the ship detail at the top of the frames. The eight-day works are designed with an anchor escapement, and a single fusee regulates the spring power. A steel chain connects the spring and fusee. A fancy pendulum is mounted behind the works. I say fancy since the brass-faced bob is engraved with a ship. In addition, the brass rod that supports the bob features an additional ship pieced into the rod’s design.

The dial is brass and finished in a silver wash. The fretted time ring features an engraved dotted minute circle along its outer edge. The Roman-style hour numerals are positioned on individual-shaped panels. Steel hands depict the time. This dial is engraved with the Maker’s name. The signature reads, “Thos WEDGE – York.”

This clock is approximately 17 inches tall to the top of the dome, 14 inches wide at the base, and 8 inches deep. Thomas York made this clock circa 1885.

Inventory number 222044.