Franklin Mint Falling Ball Gravity Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 20th century
This falling ball gravity clock is cataloged as a late 20th-century production by Franklin Mint, designed after the historic "Sir Francis Drake" clock by Thwaites & Reed of England.
The source reports an eight-day movement with a platform escapement housed inside a spherical brass case with engraved hemispheres depicting a terrestrial globe. An equatorial annular ring displays Roman numerals for indicating the time. The spherical clock descends on a suspension line supported by an arm mounted to a shaped mahogany wall plaque, which features an engraved brass panel with maritime motifs and heraldry.
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
- Falling ball gravity clock
- Mounting
- Hangs on a shaped mahogany plaque with engraved brass panel
- Dimensions
- Approx. 30" h x 5.75" w x 7" d
- Time display
- Annular time ring with Roman numerals
- Design source
- After the original "Sir Francis Drake" clock, made by Thwaites & Reed, England
- Movement type
- 8-day time movement with platform escapement
- Case construction
- Spherical brass case with engraved hemispheres
- Maker / attribution
- Franklin Mint
Design
- Visible features
- • Spherical brass clock body engraved with outline contours of a terrestrial globe. • Annular chapter ring encircling the sphere features engraved Roman numerals. • Brass suspension arm extends from the upper section of a shaped mahogany backboard. • Engraved brass backplate displays a portrait medallion, sailing ships, a compass rose, and an armorial shield bearing the banner 'SIC PARVIS MAGNA'.
- Backboard and Engraved Panel
- The clock hangs on a shaped mahogany plaque that incorporates an engraved brass panel. Visual observation shows a brass suspension arm extending from the upper portion of the wooden mount. The engraved brass backplate features a portrait medallion, sailing ships, a compass rose, and an armorial shield inscribed with the banner 'SIC PARVIS MAGNA'. The auction listing notes "Light oxidation" in its condition report.
- Spherical Case and Mechanism
- The clock incorporates a spherical brass case featuring engraved hemispheres that show outline contours of a terrestrial globe. An annular time ring encircles the sphere, displaying Roman numerals for reading the hours. The auction catalog reports the internal movement as an 8-day time movement fitted with a platform escapement. These internal movement specifications are derived solely from the seller catalog description, as the internal components are not visible from the exterior.
- Identity and Historical Derivation
- The catalog describes the piece as a late 20th-century Franklin Mint falling ball gravity clock. It is cataloged as designed after an original "Sir Francis Drake" clock produced by Thwaites & Reed of England. The complete unit is cataloged with approximate dimensions of 30 inches in height, 5.75 inches in width, and 7 inches in depth. Specific manufacturing dates or countries of origin are not recorded in the source description.
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: Internal 8-day movement and platform escapement cannot be directly observed without disassembly; details rely on auction catalog reporting.
- Research required: Exact country and date of production are not explicitly confirmed beyond 'late 20th century'.