St. James Palace Skeleton Clock by Evans of Handsworth

Depicting St. James Palace in London, this remarkable two-train fusée architectural skeleton clock is a wonderful specimen of 19th-century English clockmaking. Crafted by the preeminent firm of Evans of Handsworth, Birmingham, this rare architectural model became popular around the golden anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign. The highly complex timepiece boasts a brass triple-layer frame, a characteristic found only in the most attractive and important Evans timepieces. Not only is this clock visually stunning, but it is also a mechanical triumph with its chain-driven fusée movement fronted by a porcelain face. Set upon its original rosewood marquetry base beneath a custom glass dome, this magnificent timepiece is among the finest examples of its kind.

The Birmingham firm of William F. Evans of Handsworth was one of the most respected makers of skeleton clocks. The golden age of their manufacture occurred during the second half of the 19th century, particularly from the 1860s through the 1880s, and the firm was renowned for the stellar quality, grand size and superior materials utilized in the creation of their clocks. 

Skeleton clocks are among the most exceptional and intriguing timepieces ever made and were designed to display as much of the working mechanism as possible. Often the result of the highest quality workmanship, skeleton clocks are actually some of the earliest clocks, some dating from the mid-16th century as drum clocks. Popularized around 1750 by the French, these timekeepers became the favorite of the English in the 19th century, when all the main centers of clock production — London, Liverpool and Birmingham — began to make the most exceptional examples.

Circa 1885

11 1/2" wide x 8" deep x 22 1/2" high