Antique Victorian Miniature Grandfather Longcase Table Clock, 1880

Details

Description

A highly unusual antique Victorian miniature grandfather or longcase table clock dating to around 1880, with a wonderfully architectural dark … Read more A highly unusual antique Victorian miniature grandfather or longcase table clock dating to around 1880, with a wonderfully architectural dark wood case and exceptionally decorative gilt-brass mounts. Made as a small-scale interpretation of a traditional longcase clock, it has all the visual presence of a much larger piece while standing just under 40cm high.

The hood is designed in the manner of a full-size longcase clock, with projecting cornice, shaped architectural details and slender turned columns flanking the circular dial. The dial is set within a richly cast gilt-brass surround decorated with scrolling foliage, fruit and floral motifs, with Roman numerals and delicate hands beneath a convex glass cover.
The trunk is particularly striking, with an elaborate pierced and applied gilt-brass panel incorporating scrolling ornament and a small faceted decorative centrepiece, together with further decorative brass mounts to the sides. The stepped base and dark timber case give the clock a strong Gothic Revival and Historicist character typical of the late Victorian period.
To the rear is a small self-contained spring-driven clock movement, reinforcing that this was produced as a decorative miniature table or mantel clock in the form of a grandfather clock rather than as a working miniature weight-driven longcase mechanism.
Miniature clocks of this type are sometimes described as apprentice pieces, although without documentary provenance we would prefer to describe this example simply as an unusually decorative Victorian miniature longcase clock.
A wonderfully characterful and highly decorative piece, ideal for a library, study, mantel, desk or collection of unusual clocks. Its compact scale and exceptionally ornate brasswork make it much more distinctive than the plainer miniature longcase clocks commonly encountered.

Condition Report
In good antique condition with age-related wear, marks and patination consistent with its age and use. The gilt-brass mounts retain a warm aged finish and the timber has an established colour and surface. Please refer to the photographs as they form part of the condition report.

Measurements
Height:39.12cm(15.40in)
Width:12.2cm(4.80in)
Depth:8.5cm(3.35in)
Date of manufacture: Circa 1880
Origin: England See less