Clock key
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
This clock key was made in England during the nineteenth century by the makers Payne & Co. Formed from copper alloy, the piece is partly gilded. The object features a flat, teardrop-shaped handle, or bow, tapering towards a cylindrical stem with ridged collar detailing and an internal winding socket. A small hole is pierced near the wide, rounded end of the bow.
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.
Historical context
This key originally belonged to a clock made in imitation of 'old Boulle work' topped with an eagle figure, measuring 14 1/2 inches high and signed 'Payne & Co, 163 New Bond Street, London'. The clock was lost, presumed stolen, in 1924. The key was part of the collection of John Jones, who bequeathed it to the South Kensington Museum in 1882.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Copper alloy, partly gilded
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Payne & Co
- Place recorded
- England
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Clock key
- Museum object number
- 1009-1882
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.