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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Rolling ball clock

Congreve Rolling Ball Clock

Partially verified

This horological piece is a brass Congreve rolling ball clock displayed inside a four-sided glass and brass vitrine mounted on a dark plinth. The upper brass framework forms a pediment topped by a spherical and spire finial and carries three white enamel chapter rings, with the central ring flanked by two smaller dials. Elevated on four brass columns terminating in ball feet, the clock is mounted above a pivoting zig-zag grooved table designed for a rolling ball escapement mechanism.

Front view of the Congreve rolling ball clock enclosed in its brass-framed vitrine
Front view of the Congreve rolling ball clock enclosed in its brass-framed vitrine — Antiques Atlas / Frank Craig Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Clock · Rolling ball clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as920a448 / 1422
Source-reported date
1950s
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Visual Structure and Dial Arrangement

The clock is configured in the manner of a Congreve rolling ball timepiece, with an upper framework topped by a pediment and a turned spire finial. This upper structure is elevated on four brass columns fitted with stepped caps, ball finials, and spherical feet.

Mounted to this framework are three white dials. The visual arrangement features a larger central dial marked from 5 to 60, flanked by two subsidiary dials.

Evidence for this section
  • “Upper movement structure features a pediment top adorned with a turned spire finial.”
  • “Three white dials are visible: a larger center dial marked 5 to 60, flanked by two subsidiary dials.”
  • “Four brass columns with stepped caps, ball finials, and spherical feet support the upper section.”

Tilting Plate and Outer Glazed Case

In the lower section of the frame, a zig-zag grooved tilting plate is mounted on a central pivot mechanism. The source describes the motion of this escapement: "As the ball rolls up & down the plate tilts from side to side, marking time."

The clock is housed inside a rectangular four-sided glass case with a brass frame, resting upon a black rectangular plinth with feet. The dealer explicitly notes regarding the recorded dimensions: "The measurements are taken from the protective case." The case measures 53 cm in height, 42 cm in width, and 40 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “A zig-zag grooved tilting plate is mounted in the lower section on a central pivot mechanism.”
  • “As the ball rolls up & down the plate tilts from side to side, marking time.”
  • “The entire clock is enclosed within a rectangular four-sided glass case with a brass frame, resting on a black rectangular plinth with feet.”
  • “The measurements are taken from the protective case.”
  • “Dimensions Ht 53, W 42, D 40 cms”

Dating and Maker Record

The listing assigns the clock to the category "Period 1950s Antiques". No manufacturer, maker's signature, or serial number is recorded in the listing source.

The dealer characterizes the clock as an "antique clock , which is in absolutely pristine condition" and notes it as "the largest model of this type that I have seen", though these dealer descriptions reflect commercial claims rather than verified horological documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Period 1950s Antiques”
  • “Interesting, novel & amusing is the way I describe this antique clock , which is in absolutely pristine condition.”
  • “This is the largest model of this type that I have seen.”

Open research questions

  • Are any maker marks, workshop plaques, or serial numbers stamped on the brass movement plates or under the base plinth?
  • What specific time units are measured by each of the two subsidiary chapter rings flanking the central 5–60 dial?
  • What are the precise dimensions and weight of the rolling ball clock movement independent of the outer glazed vitrine?
  • What technical or stylistic criteria were used to date this clock to the 1950s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Congreve Rolling Ball Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Item Codeas920a448 / 1422“Item code as920a448 / 1422”
Mechanism TypeRolling ball with tilting plate“As the ball rolls up & down the plate tilts from side to side, marking time.”
Period1950s“Period 1950s Antiques”
DimensionsHeight 53 cm, width 42 cm, depth 40 cm“Dimensions Ht 53, W 42, D 40 cms”
Dealer DescriptionDescribed by dealer as in pristine condition and the largest model of this type seen“Interesting, novel & amusing is the way I describe this antique clock , which is in absolutely pristine condition. As the ball rolls up & down the plate tilts from side to side, marking time. This is the largest model of this type that I have seen.”
Original Listed Price£2250.00“Price £ 2250.00 $ 2975.85 € 2655.00”
Sale StatusSold“Status Sold”

Visible details

  • Upper movement structure features a pediment top adorned with a turned spire finial.
  • Three white dials are visible: a larger center dial marked 5 to 60, flanked by two subsidiary dials.
  • Four brass columns with stepped caps, ball finials, and spherical feet support the upper section.
  • A zig-zag grooved tilting plate is mounted in the lower section on a central pivot mechanism.
  • The entire clock is enclosed within a rectangular four-sided glass case with a brass frame, resting on a black rectangular plinth with feet.

Research qualifications

  • The specific manufacturer or maker is not identified in the source listing.
  • Measurements provided (53 cm height, 42 cm width, 40 cm depth) are dealer-reported as taken from the protective case rather than the clock movement itself.
  • The 1950s dating is source-reported without technical justification or manufacturer marks.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Congreve Rolling Ball Clock as920a448 / 1422

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8c5bfee87b

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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