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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal

Partially verified

The Science Museum Group holds this spring-driven striking table clock, catalogued under object number 1938-381 and dated tentatively to 1601–1700. Constructed primarily in gilt metal, the upright case measures 182 mm high by 84 mm wide and deep. The engraved front face features a primary dial displaying Roman numerals along with a subsidiary dial below, both operated by single hands. The upper structure incorporates a large bell mounted under arched strapwork, surmounted by a standing figural finial and flanked by corner finials. The open side reveals movement framework, a spring barrel, and striking mechanism components. The source notes the clock has undergone alterations to its original state.

Three-quarter perspective view of the gilt metal spring-driven striking table clock showing the engraved dial, bell superstructure, and movement framework
Three-quarter perspective view of the gilt metal spring-driven striking table clock showing the engraved dial, bell superstructure, and movement framework — Science Museum Group Collection © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1938-381
Source-reported date
possibly 1601-1700
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 Physical Form

Catalogued under object number 1938-381, this item is recorded by the Science Museum Group as a 'Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal'. Its overall measurements are listed as 182 mm by 84 mm by 84 mm, with descriptive catalogue entries also noting it as '8" high'. Acquisition credit is attributed to Mr W.E. Miller.

Visual observation indicates an upright gilt metal case of square or rectangular footprint resting on a molded plinth base with four turned feet. The upper perimeter features a gallery surmounted by turned baluster finials at the four corners.

Evidence for this section
  • “Object Number: 1938-381”
  • “Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal”
  • “overall: 182 mm x 84 mm x 84 mm”
  • “Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal, 8" high”
  • “credit: Mr W.E. Miller”
  • “Square upright gilt metal case resting on a molded plinth base with four turned feet”
  • “Turned baluster finials positioned at the four corners of the upper case gallery”

Dial Display and Visible Movement

The front face presents an engraved plate with a larger upper chapter ring showing Roman numerals and a smaller subsidiary dial positioned below. Both front dials are fitted with a single dark or blued metal hand.

The open sides of the case reveal an internal iron or steel movement framework containing a spring barrel and striking train components. Above the case gallery, a domed bell is mounted beneath crossed arched straps and surmounted by a standing figural finial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Engraved front plate with a larger upper chapter ring bearing Roman numerals and a smaller subsidiary dial below”
  • “Both the upper and lower front dials are fitted with a single blued or dark metal hand”
  • “Open side reveals an internal iron or steel frame containing a spring barrel and striking train components”
  • “Domed bell housed under crossed arched straps, surmounted by a figural finial depicting a standing person”

Condition, Associated Parts, and Curatorial Documentation

The museum record dates the clock broadly as 'possibly 1601-1700' and notes that it survives 'with some alterations to original state'.

The catalogue record divides the holding into component parts under 1938-381/1 for the clock itself and 1938-381/2 for a 'Brown envelope containing spare parts for spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal'. The maker, workshop, and exact geographic origin are not documented in the source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “possibly 1601-1700”
  • “with some alterations to original state”
  • “Object Number: 1938-381/1”
  • “Object Number: 1938-381/2”
  • “Brown envelope containing spare parts for spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal, 8" high, possibly 1601-1700, with some alterations to original state”

Open research questions

  • What specific components are contained inside the brown envelope catalogued as 1938-381/2?
  • What specific repairs, replacements, or modifications constitute the alterations to the clock's original state mentioned in the catalogue entry?
  • Does physical or horological examination of the movement frame, escapement, and engraving permit attribution to a particular region or maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object Number1938-381“Object Number: 1938-381”
Datepossibly 1601-1700“possibly 1601-1700”
Dimensions182 mm x 84 mm x 84 mm“overall: 182 mm x 84 mm x 84 mm”
Material and TypeSpring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal“Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal”
CreditMr W.E. Miller“credit: Mr W.E. Miller”
Condition NoteWith some alterations to original state“with some alterations to original state”
Museum CategoryTime Measurement“Category: Time Measurement”
Clock Component Number1938-381/1“Object Number: 1938-381/1”
Spare Parts Component Number1938-381/2“Object Number: 1938-381/2”

Visible details

  • Square upright gilt metal case resting on a molded plinth base with four turned feet
  • Engraved front plate with a larger upper chapter ring bearing Roman numerals and a smaller subsidiary dial below
  • Both the upper and lower front dials are fitted with a single blued or dark metal hand
  • Open side reveals an internal iron or steel frame containing a spring barrel and striking train components
  • Domed bell housed under crossed arched straps, surmounted by a figural finial depicting a standing person
  • Turned baluster finials positioned at the four corners of the upper case gallery

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the clock has undergone alterations to its original state
  • Maker and precise geographic origin are not documented in the catalogue record
  • The primary catalogue record encompasses spare parts under sub-number 1938-381/2, which are not depicted in this image

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

Consulted source

Spring-driven striking table-clock of gilt metal | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 415723e5ee

Terms in this record

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

Other table clock records