Turret Clock Movement - Victorian Railways, Flinders Street Station
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1882
This turret clock movement was produced by the Melbourne-based maker Thomas Ambrose Gaunt (Thomas Gaunt & Co) in 1882. The movement was commissioned by the Victorian Railways and initially installed at the Elizabeth Street entrance of Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, where it became a noted local landmark.
Measuring 122 cm in length, 94 cm in width, and 114 cm in height, with a weight of 360 kg, the movement is constructed from metal components. Following its initial placement, the clock was relocated to Princes Bridge Station in 1901 and subsequently to Spencer Street Station in 1910. It remained at the latter site until its removal in 1967. The movement was eventually donated to the museum collection by the Victorian Railways in 1967.
It is distinct from the original tower structure and clock faces, which were later restored with an electric movement for use at Southern Cross Station.
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
- Turret & tower clock
- Maker
- Thomas Ambrose Gaunt - Thomas Gaunt & Co
- Location
- Melbourne
- Dimensions
- 122 cm (Length), 94 cm (Width), 114 cm (Height), 360 kg (Weight)
- Acquisition
- Donation from Victorian Railways (VR), 15 Dec 1967
- Place recorded
- Australia
- Original Location
- Elizabeth Street entrance of Flinders Street Station
- Maker / attribution
- Thomas Ambrose Gaunt - Thomas Gaunt & Co
- Registration number
- ST 26256
Design
- Visible features
- • Metal frame construction with exposed gear train • Mounting points for central vertical transmission • Significant gear reduction mechanisms visible
- Historical Context
- This clock movement was a notable piece of urban infrastructure, often referred to as the water tower clock during its tenure at Flinders Street Station. While the mechanical movement housed in the museum collection represents the original horological apparatus, the associated tower structure and exterior clock faces underwent a separate history, including private ownership and subsequent restoration with a modern electric drive system at Southern Cross Station.
- Construction and Design
- The turret clock movement is constructed as a substantial mechanical assembly designed for heavy-duty timekeeping. Its frame provides support for an array of gears and pinions that facilitate the transfer of motion from the power source to the external clock faces. The overall dimensions of 122 cm by 94 cm by 114 cm suggest a robust design intended for stationary installation within a clock tower. Visual examination indicates the movement utilizes a series of large, toothed wheels, which are visible within the iron frame. The architecture is consistent with late 19th-century turret clock construction, emphasizing durability and mechanical accessibility for maintenance purposes within a tower environment.
- Institutional Provenance and Relocations
- The movement served several Victorian Railways locations in Melbourne over its operational life. It began its service in 1882 at the Elizabeth Street entrance of Flinders Street Station. In 1901, the mechanism and its corresponding tower were moved to the Princes Bridge Station site. Following its time at Princes Bridge, the clock was moved to Spencer Street Station in 1910. It remained in this position until its eventual dismantling in 1967. The Victorian Railways subsequently donated the item to the museum collection later that same year.
Identification
- Serial number
- ST 26256
- 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 current state of mechanical completeness is not explicitly detailed beyond the presence of the movement.
- Research required: The relationship between the current state of the movement and the 'wooden and glass case with lead roof' mentioned in the physical description requires further verification as it is not depicted in the provided images.