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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Novelty clock

Mantel Clock - Steam Boiler & Engine

Partially verified

This novelty mantel clock is constructed as a decorative model of a stationary steam engine. Originating from Switzerland circa 1888, the object integrates multiple functional instruments into its industrial aesthetic. The clock movement is housed behind a silvered chapter ring mounted in the left boiler, while an aneroid barometer is installed within the right boiler. A curved thermometer is positioned between the two boiler units. The model includes moving mechanical features, including a large flywheel, engine governors, and a vertical piston, which are driven by a separate spring-wound mechanism. The entire assembly sits on a base adorned with an inscribed silver plate. This object was acquired by the museum as a bequest from the estate of Miss Mary J. Davies in 1944. Its historical significance is linked to its presentation to Rees Davies, the Superintending Engineer of the Melbourne Centennial International Exhibition.

A novelty mantel clock encased within a model stationary steam engine, featuring integrated clock, barometer, and thermometer instruments.
A novelty mantel clock encased within a model stationary steam engine, featuring integrated clock, barometer, and thermometer instruments. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Novelty clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 22078
Source-reported date
circa 1888
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

Clock and Meteorological Instruments

The object functions as a multi-instrument timekeeping and meteorological station. The primary clock face is situated on the left-hand boiler, featuring a silvered chapter ring with clear numeral markers. This component acts as the timepiece for the assembly.

Adjacent to the clock, the right-hand boiler serves as the housing for an aneroid barometer. The scale on the barometer provides atmospheric pressure readings, specifically labeled with weather conditions such as 'Stormy' and 'Fair'. A thermometer is positioned vertically between these two main units to complete the suite of instruments.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clock with silvered chapter mounted in left boiler of stationary steam engine.”
  • “Aneroid barometer mounted in right boiler and curved thermometer mounted between boilers.”

Engine Model Construction

The clock is integrated into a model of a stationary steam engine. The design mimics industrial machinery, with the two boilers functioning as housings for the instruments. The structure includes elevated support beams and a decorative, open-work platform.

A secondary spring-wound system provides energy to the model's kinetic features. These moving parts include a large flywheel mounted at the top of the frame, functional engine governors, and a vertical piston located centrally between the boilers.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mantel clock mounted in a model steam boiler and engine.”
  • “A separate spring drives large wheel, engine governors and vertical piston.”

Provenance and Presentation

The object bears a silver presentation plaque documenting its history. It was presented to Rees Davies, who served as the Superintending Engineer of the Centennial International Exhibition held in Melbourne, by his staff on January 24, 1889.

The item entered the museum collection in 1944 following a bequest from the estate of Miss Mary J. Davies. The record identifies the piece as being of Swiss manufacture, consistent with the dating to 1888.

Evidence for this section
  • “Presented to Rees Davies, Esq., Superintending Engineer Centennial International Exhibition, by the Members of his Staff as a Mark of Respect and Esteem, Melbourne, Jany 24th 1889.”
  • “Bequest from (Estate of) Miss Mary J. Davies, 27 Sep 1944”

Open research questions

  • Which Swiss manufacturer produced the clock movement for this specific engine model?
  • Is the model based on a specific contemporary steam engine design from the late 19th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Mantel Clock - Steam Boiler & Engine
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Registration NumberST 22078“ST 22078”
Datecirca 1888“circa 1888”
Country of ManufactureSwitzerland“Made in Switzerland”
Dimensions36 cm x 18 cm x 45 cm“36 cm (Length), 18 cm (Width), 45 cm (Height)”
InscriptionPresented to Rees Davies, Esq. on January 24, 1889“Presented to Rees Davies, Esq., Superintending Engineer Centennial International Exhibition, by the Members of his Staff as a Mark of Respect and Esteem, Melbourne, Jany 24th 1889.”
Integrated InstrumentsClock, barometer, and thermometer“Clock with silvered chapter mounted in left boiler of stationary steam engine. Aneroid barometer mounted in right boiler and curved thermometer mounted between boilers.”

Visible details

  • Features a dual-boiler aesthetic with brass-toned fittings.
  • Includes a large vertical flywheel positioned above the engine components.
  • Displays Roman numerals on the clock dial and meteorological markings on the barometer.
  • Mounted on a rectangular base featuring a prominent presentation plaque.

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the clock movement remains unidentified.
  • The exact nature of the mechanical connection between the clock and the engine governors is not detailed.

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

Consulted source

Mantel Clock - Steam Boiler & Engine, Switzerland, circa 1888

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c8ff0d3d3b

Terms in this record

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

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