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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Clock case

Jasperware clock case

Partially verified

This horological component is a clock case manufactured in 1997 by Josiah Wedgwood and Sons in Barlaston, England. The object is constructed from blue jasperware and features white applied relief decorations. Measuring 120 mm in height and 105 mm in length, the case is designed with a domed profile and includes circular apertures at the front and back intended for a clock insert. The exterior is decorated with classical-themed white reliefs, including putti dancing to violin music on the front and female figures on the sides, with floral detailing at the top. The case retains factory-applied quality control markings in pencil, including the word 'PASS' and the number '54', alongside the standard impressed manufacturer's mark. It was acquired as part of the V&A Wedgwood Collection, maintaining its original production-era documentation in the form of a plastic-tagged label.

Front view of the jasperware clock case with original quality control label attached.
Front view of the jasperware clock case with original quality control label attached. — V&A Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Component · Clock case
Maker / attribution
Josiah Wedgwood and Sons
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WE.18552-2014
Source-reported date
1997
Source-reported place
England

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

Construction and Materials

The clock case is executed in blue jasperware, a fine-grained, unglazed stoneware. It features a domed arch silhouette specifically engineered with a central circular aperture to house a timepiece mechanism. The front and back of the case are pierced to accommodate this insert. The exterior surface provides a matte base for the application of white, relief-molded decorative elements that adhere to classical motifs associated with the maker's output.

The decorative scheme incorporates putti figures engaged in musical activity on the front panel, while the lateral sides are adorned with vertical figures in flowing drapery. A floral motif is positioned at the apex of the dome. The base is molded to provide stability for the vertical housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Jasperware with applied reliefs”
  • “Domed shape, front and back with circular holes for clock insert.”

Markings and Quality Control

The object bears a clear impressed mark reading 'WEDGWOOD / MADE IN / ENGLAND', indicating its factory origin in Barlaston. Beyond the standard branding, the case displays secondary markings that suggest its status during the manufacturing process. The presence of 'PASS' and '54' written in graphite directly onto the jasperware surface indicates internal quality control vetting performed at the workshop.

The inclusion of a laminated quality control label, still attached to the object via a plastic tag, reinforces its provenance as a factory-associated piece. The label explicitly references a 'Quality Control Standard' and contains handwritten annotations, confirming its role as an inspected component within the production environment rather than a piece prepared for standard commercial display.

Evidence for this section
  • “WEDGWOOD / MADE IN / ENGLAND ® ' (impressed)”
  • “'PASS' (marked in pencil); '54' (marked in pencil)”
  • “Laminated label attached with plastic tag.”

Provenance and Documentation

This clock case was acquired as part of the V&A Wedgwood Collection. The object retains specific physical evidence of its production-era handling, including the original quality control tags.

The documentation provided by the V&A confirms the manufacturing date of 1997. The accession number WE.18552-2014 categorizes the item as a production component.

Evidence for this section
  • “V&A Wedgwood Collection.”
  • “Presented by Art Fund with major support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, private donations and a public appeal.”
  • “Accession number: WE.18552-2014”

Open research questions

  • Which specific type of clock movement was intended to be housed within the 1997 production run?
  • Does the number '54' represent a specific batch identifier or a unique operator code in the Wedgwood quality assurance process?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jasperware clock case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJosiah Wedgwood and Sons“Josiah Wedgwood and Sons (Manufacturers)”
Place of originBarlaston“Barlaston”
MaterialsJasperware with applied reliefs“Jasperware with applied reliefs”
Dimensions120 mm x 105 mm“Height: 120 mm; Length: 105 mm”
InscriptionsWEDGWOOD, PASS, 54“WEDGWOOD / MADE IN / ENGLAND ® ' (impressed); 'PASS' (marked in pencil); '54' (marked in pencil)”

Visible details

  • Domed blue jasperware form
  • White applied relief of putti playing violin
  • Central circular aperture for movement
  • Impressed 'WEDGWOOD' mark on base

Research qualifications

  • Absence of internal clock movement
  • Pencil markings '54' and 'PASS' suggest factory-stage quality control status rather than finished retail condition

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

Consulted source

Clock case

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b654d0d7e2

Terms in this record

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

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