Congreve Rolling Ball Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1950s
This horological piece is a brass Congreve rolling ball clock displayed inside a four-sided glass and brass vitrine mounted on a dark plinth. The upper brass framework forms a pediment topped by a spherical and spire finial and carries three white enamel chapter rings, with the central ring flanked by two smaller dials.
Elevated on four brass columns terminating in ball feet, the clock is mounted above a pivoting zig-zag grooved table designed for a rolling ball escapement mechanism.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Rolling ball clock
- Period
- 1950s
- Item Code
- as920a448 / 1422
- Dimensions
- Height 53 cm, width 42 cm, depth 40 cm
- Mechanism Type
- Rolling ball with tilting plate
Design
- Visible features
- • Upper movement structure features a pediment top adorned with a turned spire finial. • Three white dials are visible: a larger center dial marked 5 to 60, flanked by two subsidiary dials. • Four brass columns with stepped caps, ball finials, and spherical feet support the upper section. • A zig-zag grooved tilting plate is mounted in the lower section on a central pivot mechanism. • The entire clock is enclosed within a rectangular four-sided glass case with a brass frame, resting on a black rectangular plinth with feet.
- Dating and Maker Record
- The listing assigns the clock to the category "Period 1950s Antiques". No manufacturer, maker's signature, or serial number is recorded in the listing source. The dealer characterizes the clock as an "antique clock , which is in absolutely pristine condition" and notes it as "the largest model of this type that I have seen", though these dealer descriptions reflect commercial claims rather than verified horological documentation.
- Tilting Plate and Outer Glazed Case
- In the lower section of the frame, a zig-zag grooved tilting plate is mounted on a central pivot mechanism. The source describes the motion of this escapement: "As the ball rolls up & down the plate tilts from side to side, marking time." The clock is housed inside a rectangular four-sided glass case with a brass frame, resting upon a black rectangular plinth with feet. The dealer explicitly notes regarding the recorded dimensions: "The measurements are taken from the protective case." The case measures 53 cm in height, 42 cm in width, and 40 cm in depth.
- Visual Structure and Dial Arrangement
- The clock is configured in the manner of a Congreve rolling ball timepiece, with an upper framework topped by a pediment and a turned spire finial. This upper structure is elevated on four brass columns fitted with stepped caps, ball finials, and spherical feet. Mounted to this framework are three white dials. The visual arrangement features a larger central dial marked from 5 to 60, flanked by two subsidiary dials.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The specific manufacturer or maker is not identified in the source listing.
- Research required: Measurements provided (53 cm height, 42 cm width, 40 cm depth) are dealer-reported as taken from the protective case rather than the clock movement itself.
- Research required: The 1950s dating is source-reported without technical justification or manufacturer marks.