13th May, 2026 11:00

European Works of Art, Objects & Silver

 
  Lot 39
 

39

A VICTORIAN MAHOGANY PERPETUAL CALENDAR BRACKET CLOCK, GEORGE TAYLOR, WOLVERHAMPTON, CIRCA 1850

eight day twin fusee movement with anchor escapement and striking the hours on a bell, the movement linked to the 'self correcting' calendar mechanism stamped 'PATENT 6483', the white painted arched dial signed within the Roman chapter ring 'GEGe. TAYLOR. / WOLVERHAMPTON.', with gilt-edged shaped apertures for day, month and date below, the flat topped case with fluted Ionic pilasters to the glazed door, the moulded bracket with scroll support, with case key and calendar adjuster but no winder, clock 39cm high, 67cm overall

Innovative clocks of this type were apparently displayed for this clockmaker at the 1851 Great Exhibition: 'George Taylor, of Wolverhampton, exhibited his perpetual self-correcting date-clocks, in which the day of the month, the month, and the day of the week were all shown in recessed openings under the dial.’ (Edward J. Wood, ‘Curiosities of Clocks and Watches from the Earliest Times’, London, 1866, p.193). Although a patent may have been submitted under reference No.6483, there is no record under this number of a patent having been issued. It seems likely Taylor intended to patent his design, but sales of the clock were disappointing and didn't justify the large cost of proceeding with it, making this clock a rare survivor.

Unsold

 

eight day twin fusee movement with anchor escapement and striking the hours on a bell, the movement linked to the 'self correcting' calendar mechanism stamped 'PATENT 6483', the white painted arched dial signed within the Roman chapter ring 'GEGe. TAYLOR. / WOLVERHAMPTON.', with gilt-edged shaped apertures for day, month and date below, the flat topped case with fluted Ionic pilasters to the glazed door, the moulded bracket with scroll support, with case key and calendar adjuster but no winder, clock 39cm high, 67cm overall

Innovative clocks of this type were apparently displayed for this clockmaker at the 1851 Great Exhibition: 'George Taylor, of Wolverhampton, exhibited his perpetual self-correcting date-clocks, in which the day of the month, the month, and the day of the week were all shown in recessed openings under the dial.’ (Edward J. Wood, ‘Curiosities of Clocks and Watches from the Earliest Times’, London, 1866, p.193). Although a patent may have been submitted under reference No.6483, there is no record under this number of a patent having been issued. It seems likely Taylor intended to patent his design, but sales of the clock were disappointing and didn't justify the large cost of proceeding with it, making this clock a rare survivor.

Auction: European Works of Art, Objects & Silver, 13th May, 2026

Auction Location: London, UK

The auction ‘European Works of Art, Objects and Silver’ is one of our biannual live sales offering a range of ceramics, sculpture, works of art and silver from around the world, as well as objects of vertu.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Sunday 10th May, 12pm – 4pm
Monday 11th May, 10am – 8pm
Tuesday 12th May, 10am – 5pm
 
CONTACT
decorativearts@olympiaauctions.com  + 44 (0)20 7806 5545

Viewing

PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Sunday 10th May, 12pm – 4pm
Monday 11th May, 10am – 8pm
Tuesday 12th May, 10am – 5pm
 
CONTACT
decorativearts@olympiaauctions.com  + 44 (0)20 7806 5545

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