Gravity mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1925
This gravity mantel clock was manufactured in England circa 1925. The object features a circular metal case mounted on a wooden base, measuring 26.5 cm in length, 8 cm in width, and 26 cm in height.
The power mechanism relies on gravity, utilizing an elliptical cast iron weight which is raised by a lever located on the left side of the clock. This weight is connected to a curved rack that gears with a pinion. The timekeeping mechanism incorporates a foliot-type pendulum suspended in front of a black dial. Patents for the design were registered in 1920 by Thomas Watson and Christopher F. Webb. The clock was acquired by the museum via a bequest from Mr.
John Askew in 1928. A plate on the back of the case is marked 'British Make' and includes references to patent numbers, such as 140668.
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
- Gravity clock
- Patentee
- Thomas Watson and Christopher F. Webb
- Dimensions
- 26.5 cm (L) x 8 cm (W) x 26 cm (H)
- Inscription
- 'British Make' and patent numbers
- Mechanism type
- Gravity power with foliot pendulum
- Place recorded
- England
- Acquisition source
- Bequest from Mr John Askew
- Registration number
- ST 19410
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular metal clock case • Black dial with Arabic numerals • Lever visible on the left side of the clock body • Wooden base supports the clock housing
- Signatures and Marks
- The object features identifying marks on a plate attached to the reverse. This plate bears the inscription 'British Make', indicating the national origin of the manufacture. Furthermore, the plate lists relevant patent documentation, specifically citing patent number 140668 associated with the 1920 patent registration filed by Thomas Watson and Christopher F. Webb.
- Provenance and History
- This clock was officially registered under the number ST 19410. The provenance is documented through the museum's acquisition records, which detail that the item was originally received as a loan and subsequently became a bequest from Mr. John Askew on February 1, 1928. The object is classified within the Science & Measurement collecting area of the museum, with its origin and manufacture dated to circa 1925 in England.
- Construction and Mechanism
- The clock is configured as a gravity mantel timepiece. The primary power source is an elliptical cast iron weight, which functions by being manually raised via a lever positioned on the left side of the clock housing. This weight is linked to a curved rack that gears directly with a pinion to drive the internal movement. The visual presentation includes a circular metal case supported by a wooden base. Situated in front of a black dial is a foliot-type pendulum, which regulates the escapement. The overall dimensions of the assembly are 26.5 cm long, 8 cm wide, and 26 cm high.
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 manufacturing workshop is not identified in the records.
- Research required: The exact functional status or current timekeeping performance remains unverified.