Thwaites and Reed 'Rolling Ball' Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1976
Cataloged as a 1976 rolling ball clock attributed to Thwaites & Reed of London, England, this timepiece features an open brass four-pillar case mounted on a mahogany plinth with a green felt lining.
A slanted upper track holds steel balls that feed into a spoked paddle wheel below, where the descending weight of each ball rotates the wheel clockwise to drive the clock movement. Expended balls drop via a vertical brass chute into the felt-lined lower tray. Time is displayed on a silvered chapter ring with black incised Roman numerals, pierced hands, and an oval brass signature tag.
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
- Novelty & automaton clock
- Dimensions
- Height: 11.50 in, Length: 8.50 in, Width: 8.50 in
- Base materials
- Mahogany base with felt top
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Drive mechanism
- Descending steel balls driving a paddle wheel
- Maker attribution
- Thwaites & Reed, London, England
- Date of manufacture
- 1976
- Maker / attribution
- Thwaites & Reed
Design
- Visible features
- • Silvered chapter ring with black incised Roman numerals and decorative half-hour markers surrounding a textured gilt center. • Brass tag mounted at the lower center of the dial reading 'Thwaites & Reed'. • Slanted top perimeter track loaded with steel rolling balls. • Four tubular brass corner columns topped by spherical finials. • Clear cubic plastic dust cover fitted over the clock structure onto a molded wooden base with green felt insert.
- Condition and Testing Disclaimers
- The catalog condition report rates the item as 'Very Good' while specifically noting that the clock was not tested, meaning operation cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, the auction house explicitly stated that the lot was not checked for replaced or missing parts, qualifying all physical completeness and mechanical integrity claims.
- Dial Display and Maker Attribution
- The time display consists of a silvered dial with black incised Roman numeral hours, pierced black hands, and a brass disc center. The catalog title lists the lot as a 1976 Thwaites & Reed Rolling Ball Clock. Applied to the dial is a brass signature tag reading “Thwaites & Reed, London, England”. Visible observations additionally note decorative half-hour markers around the silvered chapter ring and a textured gilt center.
- Case Architecture and Dust Enclosure
- The clock case comprises a mahogany base with a felt top, brass tubular posts, and brass railing surmounted by spherical brass finials. The structure is housed in a transparent plastic cube cover. Observation of the clock notes a clear cubic plastic dust cover positioned over the assembly on a molded wooden base with a green felt insert. The auction house condition report notes that the plastic cover is splitting at one seam and displays overall light wear consistent with age and normal use.
- Rolling Ball Drive and Movement Mechanism
- Mechanical drive is described as utilizing steel balls. A long slanted track located on top of the case feeds the balls down into a double disk spoked paddle wheel below, where the weight of each ball rotates the wheel clockwise to drive the clock movement. When a ball reaches the bottom of the paddle wheel, it drops down through a vertical brass cylinder and is directed into the felt-covered reserve area situated below.
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: Plastic cover is reported as splitting at one seam.
- Research required: The auction house noted light wear consistent with age and did not test operation or verify completeness of parts.