Musical bracket or table clock 1775 - 1799

Eardley Norton crafted this musical clock in 18th-century London from wood, gilt brass, and enameled metal. The dark wood, possibly imported, would have been carefully shaped and polished, its color and grain chosen to enhance its visual appeal, while the brass elements add a luxurious gleam, each piece meticulously cast and chased. The process demanded not only technical skill, but also a deep understanding of materials and their potential. Consider the labor invested in this object. From the clockmaker’s intricate assembly of gears and springs, to the cabinetmaker’s precise joinery, and the brass founder, it embodies the division of labor characteristic of the period. More than just a functional item, it signifies wealth, taste, and the complex social fabric of its time. By appreciating the materials and the making, we recognize the clock as a cultural artifact, not just a timepiece.