Clock · Falling ball gravity clock

Franklin Mint Falling Ball Gravity Clock

Partially verified

This falling ball gravity clock is cataloged as a late 20th-century production by Franklin Mint, designed after the historic "Sir Francis Drake" clock by Thwaites & Reed of England. The source reports an eight-day movement with a platform escapement housed inside a spherical brass case with engraved hemispheres depicting a terrestrial globe. An equatorial annular ring displays Roman numerals for indicating the time. The spherical clock descends on a suspension line supported by an arm mounted to a shaped mahogany wall plaque, which features an engraved brass panel with maritime motifs and heraldry.

Franklin Mint falling ball gravity clock on shaped mahogany and engraved brass wall plaque — Burchard Galleries Inc. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.liveauctioneers.com
Category: Clock · Falling ball gravity clock
Maker / attribution: Franklin Mint
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 1025
Source-reported date: late 20th century
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

Identity and Historical Derivation

The catalog describes the piece as a late 20th-century Franklin Mint falling ball gravity clock. It is cataloged as designed after an original "Sir Francis Drake" clock produced by Thwaites & Reed of England.

The complete unit is cataloged with approximate dimensions of 30 inches in height, 5.75 inches in width, and 7 inches in depth. Specific manufacturing dates or countries of origin are not recorded in the source description.

Evidence for this section

“A late 20th century Franklin Mint Falling Ball Gravity clock.”
“After the original "Sir Francis Drake" clock, made by Thwaites & Reed, England.”
“Approx. 30" h x 5.75" w x 7" d.”

Spherical Case and Mechanism

The clock incorporates a spherical brass case featuring engraved hemispheres that show outline contours of a terrestrial globe. An annular time ring encircles the sphere, displaying Roman numerals for reading the hours.

The auction catalog reports the internal movement as an 8-day time movement fitted with a platform escapement. These internal movement specifications are derived solely from the seller catalog description, as the internal components are not visible from the exterior.

Evidence for this section

“spherical Brass case with engraved hemispheres”
“annular time ring with Roman numerals”
“Spherical brass clock body engraved with outline contours of a terrestrial globe.”
“8-day time movement with platform escapement”

Backboard and Engraved Panel

The clock hangs on a shaped mahogany plaque that incorporates an engraved brass panel. Visual observation shows a brass suspension arm extending from the upper portion of the wooden mount.

The engraved brass backplate features a portrait medallion, sailing ships, a compass rose, and an armorial shield inscribed with the banner 'SIC PARVIS MAGNA'. The auction listing notes "Light oxidation" in its condition report.

Evidence for this section

“Hangs on a shaped Mahogany plaque with engraved Brass panel.”
“Brass suspension arm extends from the upper section of a shaped mahogany backboard.”
“Engraved brass backplate displays a portrait medallion, sailing ships, a compass rose, and an armorial shield bearing the banner 'SIC PARVIS MAGNA'.”
“Light oxidation.”

Open research questions

Are there manufacturer marks, stamps, or movement signatures inside the brass sphere or on the reverse of the mahogany plaque indicating where Franklin Mint had the components produced?
What specific suspension line material and winding drum arrangement are used internally to govern the descent rate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Franklin Mint Falling Ball Gravity Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Design source	After the original "Sir Francis Drake" clock, made by Thwaites & Reed, England	“After the original "Sir Francis Drake" clock, made by Thwaites & Reed, England.”
Movement type	8-day time movement with platform escapement	“8-day time movement with platform escapement”
Case construction	Spherical brass case with engraved hemispheres	“spherical Brass case with engraved hemispheres”
Time display	Annular time ring with Roman numerals	“annular time ring with Roman numerals”
Mounting	Hangs on a shaped mahogany plaque with engraved brass panel	“Hangs on a shaped Mahogany plaque with engraved Brass panel.”
Dimensions	Approx. 30" h x 5.75" w x 7" d	“Approx. 30" h x 5.75" w x 7" d.”
Seller-reported condition	Light oxidation; described by seller as currently running, though not guaranteed for continued operation or time accuracy	“Light oxidation. Currently running, but not guaranteed to keep running or accurate time.”

Visible details

Spherical brass clock body engraved with outline contours of a terrestrial globe.
Annular chapter ring encircling the sphere features engraved Roman numerals.
Brass suspension arm extends from the upper section of a shaped mahogany backboard.
Engraved brass backplate displays a portrait medallion, sailing ships, a compass rose, and an armorial shield bearing the banner 'SIC PARVIS MAGNA'.

Research qualifications

Internal 8-day movement and platform escapement cannot be directly observed without disassembly; details rely on auction catalog reporting.
Exact country and date of production are not explicitly confirmed beyond 'late 20th century'.

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

Consulted source

Franklin Mint Falling Ball Gravity Clock - Jun 22, 2025 | Burchard Galleries Inc In Fl

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5b3dae6243

Terms in this record

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