mantel clock - J.W. Benson - - Cast brass, Walnut - 1850-1900 - exceptional provenance
01
day
13
hours
11
minutes
15
seconds
Current bid
€ 120
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Paula Martin-Calero Toro
Holds a degree in art history; over six years cataloguing and appraising antiques.
Estimate € 600 - € 750
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 Bidder 2436 | €120 | |
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This Vicarage Clock by J.W. Benson, with a French movement and documented provenance from Reverend Polehampton, offers refined English craftsmanship and a precise half-hour strike.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This refined English mantel clock, known as the 'Vicarage Clock,' was produced by J.W. Benson, one of London's most respected clockmakers and Watchmaker to H.M. The Queen, a title that underscores the company's prestige and royal patronage. Famous in its time for its gentle, muted strike — ideal for libraries and dining rooms — this model appears in contemporary advertisements, including the period illustration provided.
This particular example is especially desirable due to its dial marked '25 Old Bond Street, London,' a Benson branch active only from 1872 to 1873. This allows for a very accurate dating of the clock. The movement inside is a high-quality French (Paris) mechanism, something typically found in Benson’s finer and higher-end clocks.
Provenance – a clock with a story
In April 1887, this clock was presented to Reverend Thomas Henry Stedman Polehampton upon leaving his curacy in Lawhitton, Cornwall. The engraved brass plaque confirms this. A report in the Western Times of 17 June 1887 also describes the presentation, stating it was a fifteen-day movement by Benson.
Polehampton was a notable clergyman.
Later curate of Sampford Courtenay
Son of Rev. J. Polehampton, rector of Ightham
Married Miss M.H. Trentham in 1887.
Served around 1902 as an army chaplain.
His only son later served as a Lieutenant (1914–1920) during WWI.
This gives the clock not only artistic value but also a well-documented and appealing historical provenance.
Condition & function
The movement has been recently serviced, runs excellently, and strikes clearly on the hour and half-hour.
The minute hand is a replacement.
Top ornament has been restored.
Otherwise in very good condition, with beautiful patina.
Materials
Carved wooden case (walnut / mahogany style typical for Benson)
Richly decorated gilt brass relief panels
French brass pendulum movement with bell strike
Original winding key included
A charming, beautifully preserved clock by a royally appointed maker, with remarkable provenance—a rare opportunity for collectors.
This refined English mantel clock, known as the 'Vicarage Clock,' was produced by J.W. Benson, one of London's most respected clockmakers and Watchmaker to H.M. The Queen, a title that underscores the company's prestige and royal patronage. Famous in its time for its gentle, muted strike — ideal for libraries and dining rooms — this model appears in contemporary advertisements, including the period illustration provided.
This particular example is especially desirable due to its dial marked '25 Old Bond Street, London,' a Benson branch active only from 1872 to 1873. This allows for a very accurate dating of the clock. The movement inside is a high-quality French (Paris) mechanism, something typically found in Benson’s finer and higher-end clocks.
Provenance – a clock with a story
In April 1887, this clock was presented to Reverend Thomas Henry Stedman Polehampton upon leaving his curacy in Lawhitton, Cornwall. The engraved brass plaque confirms this. A report in the Western Times of 17 June 1887 also describes the presentation, stating it was a fifteen-day movement by Benson.
Polehampton was a notable clergyman.
Later curate of Sampford Courtenay
Son of Rev. J. Polehampton, rector of Ightham
Married Miss M.H. Trentham in 1887.
Served around 1902 as an army chaplain.
His only son later served as a Lieutenant (1914–1920) during WWI.
This gives the clock not only artistic value but also a well-documented and appealing historical provenance.
Condition & function
The movement has been recently serviced, runs excellently, and strikes clearly on the hour and half-hour.
The minute hand is a replacement.
Top ornament has been restored.
Otherwise in very good condition, with beautiful patina.
Materials
Carved wooden case (walnut / mahogany style typical for Benson)
Richly decorated gilt brass relief panels
French brass pendulum movement with bell strike
Original winding key included
A charming, beautifully preserved clock by a royally appointed maker, with remarkable provenance—a rare opportunity for collectors.
Details
Specific region of origin
London
Wood type
Walnut
Brass type
Cast brass
Manufacturer/ Brand
J.W. Benson
Era
1400-1900
Title additional information
exceptional provenance
Nr of items
1
Clock type
mantel clock
Model
Vicarage Clock
Material
Brass, Wood
Clock mechanism
Mechanical
Power Reserve
more day movement
Striking
half hour, multiple gongs
Maker/Designer
J.W. Benson
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In working order
Yes
Height
38 cm
Width
24 cm
Depth
15 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
Weight
3.9 kg
Winding Key
Yes
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