Dent of London Congreve Rolling Ball Clock by Andrew Fell
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1973
According to the seller, this Congreve rolling ball clock was crafted by Andrew Fell for Dent of London circa 1973 as number 141 in a limited edition of 150. Originating from Sir William Congreve's 1808 invention, the mechanism employs an inclined grooved platform traversed by a metal ball in 15-second cycles rather than a conventional pendulum regulator.
Reaching the end of the zig-zag track trips an escapement that reverses the tilt and advances the seconds. The clock is powered by an 8-day fusee-driven timepiece movement set within an open brass architectural case with four classical columns, three silvered pediment dials, and a revolving seconds cylinder.
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
- Date
- Circa 1973
- Type
- Rolling ball clock
- Dimensions
- 17.5″ High x 19″ Wide x 14.5″ Deep
- Movement type
- 8-day fusee-driven timepiece movement
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Dial arrangement
- Three silvered dials indicating hours, minutes, and seconds
- Maker attribution
- Andrew Fell for Dent of London
- Maker / attribution
- Andrew Fell for Dent of London
- Limited edition number
- #141 of 150
Design
- Visible features
- • Three silvered chapter rings are mounted along a pediment-shaped upper brass frame supported by four slender classical columns. • A zig-zag inclined brass track sits mounted on a central pivot above the brass base plate. • The clock structure is mounted on a wood tier over a dark green marbled stone base resting on turned metal feet. • A small triangular plaque marked 'DENT' is affixed to the front of the stepped brass plinth.
- Identity and Edition
- According to the seller listing, this rolling ball clock was crafted circa 1973 by Andrew Fell for Dent of London as number 141 in a limited edition of 150. A small triangular plaque marked 'DENT' is affixed to the front of the stepped brass plinth, reflecting the retailer or commissioning attribution. The underlying mechanism reflects the rolling ball clock design invented by Sir William Congreve in 1808. Andrew Fell's workshop mark and the specific edition number are not visible in the provided frontal image, resting solely on the dealer's catalog description.
- Escapement and Movement Function
- In place of a conventional pendulum regulator, a zig-zag inclined brass track sits mounted on a central pivot above the brass base plate. A small metal ball rolls across the track in 15-second intervals; reaching the end trips an escapement that advances the seconds indication and tilts the platform in the reverse direction. The listing notes that the clock runs on an 8-day fusee-driven timepiece movement. Details of the fusee assembly and train gearing are only partially visible from the frontal angle.
- Case Architecture and Dial Arrangement
- The seller lists the clock dimensions as 17.5 inches high, 19 inches wide, and 14.5 inches deep. The skeletonized brass architectural case features four columns supporting a pediment top frame, mounted on a wood tier over a dark green marbled stone base resting on turned metal feet. Three silvered chapter rings are mounted along the pediment frame; the seller states they display hours, minutes, and seconds from left to right. In addition, a revolving cylinder mounted above the tilting platform turns to display seconds in 15-second intervals.
Identification
- Serial number
- 141 of 150
- 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: Protective glass cover or dome is not depicted in the listing photograph.
- Research required: Rear movement plate, limited edition engraving, and fusee gearing details are only partially visible from the frontal angle.