10/31/2026
Ever wonder what Cambridge or Westminster chimes mean on a clock? These names refer to two familiar musical melodies that clocks can play to mark the quarter hours. The Westminster chime is the famous four-part melody heard in the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster (Big Ben) in London. The Cambridge chime is another variation of the same general tradition, associated with the clock at Great St. Mary's Church in Cambridge, England.
This English bracket clock uses a nest of eight bells to play its chime, with a separate coiled gong sounding the hour. Rather than simply striking the time, it announces the passing hours with a musical melody before finishing with the number of strikes corresponding to the hour.
Lot 44 in the Fall Clock and Watch Auction, a late 19th century English Bracket clock. High quality 8-day three train Brass movement with quarter hour Cambridge/Westminster striking on a nest of eight Bells and one coiled gong with on-demand repeat, engraved Silvered dial with arched top and Roman numerals, subsidiary upper chime select indicator. George III Style case with original Ebonized finish and gilded cast Brass mounts, finials, handles, side panels and scrolled foliate feet. 26 1/2" high overall.
It's a lovely example of how traditional clockmaking combined timekeeping with a little music! Auction starts Saturday, November 7th at 11am EST. https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/433195_november-clock-auction/
