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About this object

  • ID:

    34.181/99

  • Production date:

    c. 1540-1589; 16th century

  • Location:

    In Store

  • This drum-shaped gilt-brass table clock has a spring-driven movement, horizontal dial, single steel hand and chapter ring marked with Roman hour numerals I-XII. The clock has a separate alarm mechanism, which rests over the dial when in use. The alarm bell rings when the hand reaches the time at which the alarm is set and a detent (trip lever) is released. The clock is small and portable and the alarm can be detached when travelling. The drum is chased with dragons and foliate (leaf-like) ornaments and stylistic evidence suggests that the clock was made in France, possibly by the maker Guillaume Javin of Avignon (around 1540-89). Despite the encouragement that the Tudor monarchs gave to foreign clockmakers to settle in the capital, almost all of the clocks and watches owned by Londoners in the early 1500s were imported from the European centres of watchmaking.

  • Measurements

    H 48 mm; DM 65 mm (clock), H 80 mm; W 55 mm (alarm), H 125 mm (overall)

  • Materials

    copper alloy; steel; gilt

  • Last Updated

    2024-03-26

FURTHER INFORMATION
  • NUMBER OF ITEMS

    2

  • STATUS

    permanent collection

  • COPYRIGHT HOLDER

    digital image copyright Museum of London

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