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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Regulator clock

Regulator Clock by Morrell

Partially verified

This regulator clock, dated to 1850 and associated with the maker Morrell in Melbourne, Australia, stands at a height of 150 centimeters. The timepiece features a round archtop case and a glass door located in the trunk. Its movement is weight-driven and incorporates an anchor escapement. The dial displays a regulator layout with separate round silver-plated dials for seconds and hours, while the minutes are indicated on an outer circle. An inspection of the dial reveals evidence of a previous maker's name that was hammered out to accommodate the current inscription: 'Regulator, Morrell Australia 1850'. The museum documentation suggests that due to this modification, it is possible that the clock was originally imported from England before being re-inscribed for the Australian market. The object entered the collection through a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr. John Askew in 1928.

The regulator clock dial showing the subsidiary registers and the re-engraved 'Morrell' inscription.
The regulator clock dial showing the subsidiary registers and the re-engraved 'Morrell' inscription. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Regulator clock
Maker / attribution
Morrell
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 19371
Source-reported date
1850
Source-reported place
Australia

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

Dial and Configuration

The clock is configured as a regulator with a distinctive dial layout. The primary dial includes separate round silver-plated subsidiary dials designated for tracking seconds and hours. The minutes are recorded on an outer circular track.

The current inscription reads 'Regulator, Morrell Australia 1850'. Physical examination of the dial surface shows that a previous maker's name was hammered out, allowing for the application of the current inscription.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial has had a previous maker's name hammered out to create a surface the new inscription of 'Regulator, Morrell Australia 1850'.”
  • “Round silver-plated separate dials for seconds and hours. Minutes are marked on outer circle.”

Case and Movement

The instrument stands 150 centimeters tall and is housed in a round archtop case. The design incorporates a glass door within the trunk, allowing for access to the internal components.

The internal mechanism is weight-driven and relies on an anchor escapement for timekeeping functionality.

Evidence for this section
  • “Round archtop case, glass door in trunk.”
  • “Weight driven; anchor escapement.”

Provenance and Attribution

The clock is associated with a maker named Morrell based in Melbourne, Victoria. It was acquired by the institution via a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr. John Askew, recorded on October 4, 1928.

Due to the alteration observed on the dial, it remains possible that the clock was originally imported from England before being re-marketed under the Morrell name in 1850.

Evidence for this section
  • “Association: type: Maker, name: Morrell, date: 1850, locality: Melbourne”
  • “It is therefore possible that the clock was imported from England.”
  • “Acquisition: Loan & Subsequent Bequest from Mr John Askew, 04 Oct 1928”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the original maker whose name was removed from the dial?
  • Does internal examination of the movement reveal characteristics common to specific English makers of the 1850s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Regulator Clock by Morrell
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMorrell“Maker, name: Morrell”
Date1850“date: 1850”
Registration NumberST 19371“Registration number: ST 19371”
Height150 cm“150 cm (Height)”
EscapementAnchor escapement“anchor escapement”
Dial inscriptionRegulator, Morrell Australia 1850“Dial marked 'Regulator, Morrell Australia 1850'”
AcquisitionLoan and bequest from Mr John Askew“Loan & Subsequent Bequest from Mr John Askew, 04 Oct 1928”

Visible details

  • Dial features separate subsidiary dials for hours and seconds.
  • Evidence of hammered-out metal on the dial surface.
  • Registration number 19371 visible in the image.
  • Dial indicates 'Regulator', 'Morrell', 'Australia', and '1850'.

Research qualifications

  • The original maker is unknown due to the altered dial surface.
  • It is possible the clock was imported from England.

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

Consulted source

Regulator Clock - Morrell, Melbourne, 1850

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5210760d08

Terms in this record

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

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