Empire Type World Clock

Technical characteristics

Type

Terrestrial globe clock

Weight

2.9 kg

Function

Globe clock with solar indicator

Patentees

Etienne de Gounevitch and Armand Gustave Couailett

Patent number

British patent No. 23, 449, 1909

Place recorded

France

Country of origin

France

Maker / attribution

Etienne de Gounevitch; Armand Gustave Couaillett

Design

Visible features

• The globe features printed labels including 'PATENT 1909' and 'THE EMPIRE CLOCK'. • A curved brass arm supports a small spherical object representing the sun. • The base is circular and constructed of metallic material, supporting a central stem. • A horizontal metal ring surrounds the globe at the equator.

Horological Operation

The timekeeping function relies on an internal clockwork motor which drives the rotation of the terrestrial globe. The globe completes one full revolution every 24 hours, moving from west to east. This rotational motion allows for the tracking of time across various geographical longitudes. Users determine the time at different locations by aligning the longitudinal lines on the globe surface. The device was intended to provide a visual representation of time differences throughout the British Empire, allowing for quick reference.

Patents and Provenance

The design is recorded as a patented invention by Etienne de Gounevitch and Armand Gustave Couaillett. The invention is associated with British patent number 23,449 issued in 1909. The object was acquired by the collection from J. MacMichael. The records identify the origin as French and the date of manufacture as 1909, consistent with the year of the patent application. The object is catalogued under the accession number 1909-199.

Design and Construction

The object is configured as a terrestrial globe measuring 200 mm in diameter and 400 mm in total height. The globe is mounted on a metallic pedestal base that supports the sphere and the associated horological framework. A horizontal metallic ring encircles the equator, facilitating the reading of time in conjunction with the rotating globe. A separate curved brass arm holds a small brass sphere designed to represent the sun. This component is adjustable relative to the globe. The exterior of the globe surface includes cartographic details and text identifying the device as 'The Empire Clock' and referencing the 1909 patent.

Identification

Accession number

1909-199

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.