Eight day duration, three train chain fusee, heavy frame in the Brighton Pavilion design; seven knopped and finned pillars, blued screws throughout. Quarter chiming Cambridge tune on eight bells; hour chiming on gong. Pull chain repeat. Extensively documented in Derek Roberts, British Skeleton Clocks, pp. 210-214, "This clock, which must have been one of the finest English skeleton clocks produced would have been made by Smith's of Clerkenwell". Click here for another fine example of a Smith presentation clock.

Click on the individual pictures for detail photos.

These clocks were quite expensive in their day and were customized with various features. The level of finish and quality could be selected. For example one could have the various cocks, bridges and levers in the solid, or fully pierced. Silver appliqués or even small turned urns could be added. Pendulums could have simple rods and bobs or the more elaborate types as seen here. A Smith's catalog of 1865 gives some idea of the value of these timepieces. 'Chime Skeleton Clocks, quarter-hours on eight bells & hours on gong, 25 Pounds upwards', 1. That was their minimum price for a much smaller and less fancy base model. This example was one of Smith's largest and fanciest three train quarter chiming clocks, top of the line as to finish work. Notice the extent to which the maker pierced the various cocks and bridges, fretted the racks and levers; decorated the various components. The velvet base has an elaborate silver filigree pattern as well as a silver 'fencing' surrounding the original base and plinth which holds the original glass dome. These features as well as the size of movement added the cost for an estimated final price of 50 Pounds. The pay for an average government worker in 1865 was 68 Pounds per year or 37,400 Pounds in 2006. Current value of the Pound in 1865 wages would translate into a 551:1 ratio to 2006 or a price of 27,550 Pounds for this clock today; nearly a full year's wages. This clock would be an extreme specimen of 'over the top' high Victorian design. A perfect example of the quote found on the skeleton clock home page. Altogether, given the originality of all components and design features, this is, along with another in this collection, the best examples offered by this prominent maker.

John Smith & Sons factory workshop photo c. 1840 

1 .British Skeleton Clocks, Derek Roberts, p. 127