Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
possibly 1601-1700
The Science Museum Group holds this spring-driven striking table clock, catalogued under object number 1938-381 and dated tentatively to 1601–1700. Constructed primarily in gilt metal, the upright case measures 182 mm high by 84 mm wide and deep.
The engraved front face features a primary dial displaying Roman numerals along with a subsidiary dial below, both operated by single hands. The upper structure incorporates a large bell mounted under arched strapwork, surmounted by a standing figural finial and flanked by corner finials. The open side reveals movement framework, a spring barrel, and striking mechanism components. The source notes the clock has undergone alterations to its original state.
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
- possibly 1601-1700
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Credit
- Mr W.E. Miller
- Dimensions
- 182 mm x 84 mm x 84 mm
- Condition Note
- With some alterations to original state
- Material and Type
- Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal
Design
- Visible features
- • Square upright gilt metal case resting on a molded plinth base with four turned feet • Engraved front plate with a larger upper chapter ring bearing Roman numerals and a smaller subsidiary dial below • Both the upper and lower front dials are fitted with a single blued or dark metal hand • Open side reveals an internal iron or steel frame containing a spring barrel and striking train components • Domed bell housed under crossed arched straps, surmounted by a figural finial depicting a standing person • Turned baluster finials positioned at the four corners of the upper case gallery
- Identity and Physical Form
- Catalogued under object number 1938-381, this item is recorded by the Science Museum Group as a 'Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal'. Its overall measurements are listed as 182 mm by 84 mm by 84 mm, with descriptive catalogue entries also noting it as '8" high'. Acquisition credit is attributed to Mr W.E. Miller. Visual observation indicates an upright gilt metal case of square or rectangular footprint resting on a molded plinth base with four turned feet. The upper perimeter features a gallery surmounted by turned baluster finials at the four corners.
- Dial Display and Visible Movement
- The front face presents an engraved plate with a larger upper chapter ring showing Roman numerals and a smaller subsidiary dial positioned below. Both front dials are fitted with a single dark or blued metal hand. The open sides of the case reveal an internal iron or steel movement framework containing a spring barrel and striking train components. Above the case gallery, a domed bell is mounted beneath crossed arched straps and surmounted by a standing figural finial.
- Condition, Associated Parts, and Curatorial Documentation
- The museum record dates the clock broadly as 'possibly 1601-1700' and notes that it survives 'with some alterations to original state'. The catalogue record divides the holding into component parts under 1938-381/1 for the clock itself and 1938-381/2 for a 'Brown envelope containing spare parts for spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal'. The maker, workshop, and exact geographic origin are not documented in the source record.
Identification
- Object Number
- 1938-381
- 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: Source notes the clock has undergone alterations to its original state
- Research required: Maker and precise geographic origin are not documented in the catalogue record
- Research required: The primary catalogue record encompasses spare parts under sub-number 1938-381/2, which are not depicted in this image