Mantel Clock - Steam Boiler & Engine
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1888
This novelty mantel clock is constructed as a decorative model of a stationary steam engine. Originating from Switzerland circa 1888, the object integrates multiple functional instruments into its industrial aesthetic.
The clock movement is housed behind a silvered chapter ring mounted in the left boiler, while an aneroid barometer is installed within the right boiler. A curved thermometer is positioned between the two boiler units. The model includes moving mechanical features, including a large flywheel, engine governors, and a vertical piston, which are driven by a separate spring-wound mechanism. The entire assembly sits on a base adorned with an inscribed silver plate.
This object was acquired by the museum as a bequest from the estate of Miss Mary J. Davies in 1944. Its historical significance is linked to its presentation to Rees Davies, the Superintending Engineer of the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition.
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 1888
- Type
- Novelty clock
- Dimensions
- 36 cm x 18 cm x 45 cm
- Inscription
- Presented to Rees Davies, Esq. on January 24, 1889
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Registration Number
- ST 22078
- Country of Manufacture
- Switzerland
- Integrated Instruments
- Clock, barometer, and thermometer
Design
- Visible features
- • Features a dual-boiler aesthetic with brass-toned fittings. • Includes a large vertical flywheel positioned above the engine components. • Displays Roman numerals on the clock dial and meteorological markings on the barometer. • Mounted on a rectangular base featuring a prominent presentation plaque.
- Engine Model Construction
- The clock is integrated into a model of a stationary steam engine. The design mimics industrial machinery, with the two boilers functioning as housings for the instruments. The structure includes elevated support beams and a decorative, open-work platform. A secondary spring-wound system provides energy to the model's kinetic features. These moving parts include a large flywheel mounted at the top of the frame, functional engine governors, and a vertical piston located centrally between the boilers.
- Provenance and Presentation
- The object bears a silver presentation plaque documenting its history. It was presented to Rees Davies, who served as the Superintending Engineer of the Centennial International Exhibition held in Melbourne, by his staff on January 24, 1889. The item entered the museum collection in 1944 following a bequest from the estate of Miss Mary J. Davies. The record identifies the piece as being of Swiss manufacture, consistent with the dating to 1888.
- Clock and Meteorological Instruments
- The object functions as a multi-instrument timekeeping and meteorological station. The primary clock face is situated on the left-hand boiler, featuring a silvered chapter ring with clear numeral markers. This component acts as the timepiece for the assembly. Adjacent to the clock, the right-hand boiler serves as the housing for an aneroid barometer. The scale on the barometer provides atmospheric pressure readings, specifically labeled with weather conditions such as 'Stormy' and 'Fair'. A thermometer is positioned vertically between these two main units to complete the suite of instruments.
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 maker of the clock movement remains unidentified.
- Research required: The exact nature of the mechanical connection between the clock and the engine governors is not detailed.