Plato Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1910
This digital clock, identified as a 'Plato Clock', dates to approximately 1910. It is housed in a cylindrical glass case with a brass base and lid, and is fitted with a handle for portability.
The clock features a mechanical system contained within the base that drives two sets of cards to display the time by flipping over at specified intervals for hours and minutes respectively. The spring-wound movement is revealed through the transparent casing. The object carries an inscription on the base detailing various patent dates from 1902 and 1903. Additionally, the top of the clock is marked with an inscription indicating it was provided by J.G.
White & Co Ltd, London. It was acquired by the museum through a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr John Askew in 1928, with its origin and association linked to the London locality.
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
- Digital clock
- Dimensions
- 13 cm height, 9 cm outside diameter
- Provenance
- Loan and bequest from Mr John Askew, April 1928
- Mechanism type
- Spring wound
- Patent marking
- Dec 16 1902, Apr 28 1903, Apr 7 1903, July 7 1903
- Place recorded
- England
- Associated company
- J.G. White & Co Ltd, London
- Registration number
- ST 19408
Design
- Case and Design
- The object is a digital desk clock constructed with a clear cylindrical glass body. This allows for full visibility of the internal mechanism, which consists of stacked cards that rotate to update the time. The base and top lid are manufactured from brass, providing a metallic frame for the glass housing. A matching brass handle is attached to the top lid, allowing the clock to be moved. The overall height of the clock is 13 centimetres, with an outside diameter of 9 centimetres. The design relies on the mechanical movement housed within the base to cycle through hours and minutes by flipping individual cards as the time progresses.
- Visible features
- • Cylindrical glass enclosure containing two rotating card-based display stacks • Brass base and top lid with a central carrying handle • Patent information engraved on the base periphery • Promotional text engraved on the upper surface of the lid
- History and Provenance
- The Plato Clock patent was filed by Eugene L. Fitch in 1903, with production following shortly after. Historical documentation notes that these clocks were featured at the 1904 St Louis World's Fair and were manufactured by the Ansonia Clock Co in the United States and by Junghans in Europe. This specific example reached the collection through a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr. John Askew in April 1928. It is catalogued as part of the science and measurement collection.
- Signatures and Markings
- The clock includes specific inscriptions that clarify its identity and origin. The base is engraved with a series of patent dates, beginning with December 16, 1902, and followed by three dates in 1903. These markings relate to the original patents established by Eugene L. Fitch. The top of the lid features an inscription that reads: 'Compliments of J.G. White & Co Ltd, London E.C.' This suggests the clock was used as a promotional item associated with the London-based company.
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 manufacturer is not explicitly identified for this individual unit
- Research required: The exact production location is not confirmed, only the association with London