Mystery Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
This mystery clock, an advertising timepiece originating from England around 1900, is housed in a rectangular brass case measuring 10 cm in length, 5 cm in width, and 14 cm in height.
The object is designed for integration into a magic lantern or projector, enabling the hands, dial, and promotional content to be displayed on a screen. Its mechanism is constructed to be concealed during projection; the hands are operated via gear wheels positioned on their outer ends, eliminating visible internal components. The dial is made of glass and features ornate Arabic numerals. The timepiece is spring-wound and functions using a lever escapement.
The object entered the collection of Museums Victoria through a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr. John Askew on July 29, 1936, and is identified by registration number ST 19992.
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 1900
- Type
- Advertising clock
- Markings
- 163 on the back
- Material
- Brass and glass
- Dimensions
- 10 cm x 5 cm x 14 cm
- Escapement
- Lever escapement
- Maker Location
- England
- Place recorded
- England
- Registration Number
- ST 19992
Design
- Visible features
- • Rectangular brass casing with flat face • Glass dial with black Arabic numerals • External gear mechanism for hand rotation • Manual winding component visible on face
- Acquisition and Provenance
- The clock was acquired by the museum through a process involving a loan followed by a bequest. The donor associated with the object is Mr. John Askew, and the transfer of ownership was finalized on July 29, 1936. This item is categorized under the museum's science and measurement collections, reflecting its specific utility in historical advertising and projection technology.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The object is housed within a rectangular brass case designed for compatibility with projection equipment. The front of the case features a circular aperture that frames a glass dial, which is marked with black Arabic numerals. This configuration is specifically engineered to allow for the projection of timekeeping information alongside advertising materials when the device is mounted within a magic lantern. The exterior of the brass case is marked with the number 163 on the back side. The compact dimensions of the clock, measuring 14 centimeters in height, allow it to fit within the constraints of projection hardware, ensuring it serves its intended function as an advertising clock for public viewing.
- Movement and Projection Mechanism
- The clock operates via a spring-wound mechanism that utilizes a lever escapement. The movement is designed to prevent visible obstructions during projection. To achieve this effect, the gear wheels responsible for driving the hands are placed at the outer extremities of the hands themselves. This layout ensures that the inner mechanism remains hidden from the light path of the projector. By mounting the driving gears on the outer ends, the clock allows the time to be projected onto a screen without revealing the internal gear train, which is a defining feature of this mystery clock design.
Identification
- Serial number
- 163
- 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: Specific original manufacturer unknown
- Research required: Intended display advertising content not present