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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Table clock with alarm

Partially verified

This German-made 18th-century table clock features an integrated alarm mechanism housed within a gilded brass construction. Measuring 15.8 cm in height and 9.2 cm in diameter, the clock sits on a cylindrical base. The side of the base is adorned with engraved roundel portraits and scrolling foliage patterns. The time-indicating dial is situated on the horizontal top surface of the cylindrical base, featuring a central hand and a surrounding chapter ring. Above this surface, an alarm mechanism is mounted, which includes a prominent domed bell. The assembly is supported by three decorative feet cast in the form of dolphins, which elevate the alarm housing above the dial. The entire exterior, including the housing and mechanical supports, utilizes engraved and gilded metalwork. This object is currently held in the Victoria and Albert Museum collection under accession number 589-1872.

A brass table clock with an integrated alarm, featuring a cylindrical base with engraved portraits and a domed bell supported by dolphin-shaped feet.
A brass table clock with an integrated alarm, featuring a cylindrical base with engraved portraits and a domed bell supported by dolphin-shaped feet. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
589-1872
Source-reported date
18th century
Source-reported place
Germany

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

Case and Design

The perimeter of the base is decorated with intricate engravings, which include scrolling foliage and roundel portraits.

The upper portion of the clock, which incorporates the alarm mechanism, is elevated above the main base. This section includes a domed bell and is held in position by three metal supports fashioned into the shape of dolphins.

Evidence for this section
  • “Constructed primarily of gilded brass”
  • “The clock features a cylindrical base decorated with engraved designs, including roundel portraits and scrolling patterns along the sides.”
  • “an alarm mechanism with a domed bell is elevated and supported by three decorative feet shaped like dolphins.”

Dial and Mechanism

The design incorporates radial patterns that extend outward from the center where the hand is mounted.

The alarm function is integrated into the upper assembly of the clock. The entire assembly demonstrates the application of engraved and gilded metalwork across both the timekeeping and alarm components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Situated on the horizontal top surface of the base is the clock dial.”
  • “an alarm mechanism with a domed bell is elevated and supported by three decorative feet shaped like dolphins.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is catalogued by the Victoria and Albert Museum with the accession number 589-1872. This record serves as the primary source for the identification of the object's origin and physical characteristics. There are no additional catalogue numbers or specific provenance history recorded for this clock in the provided documentation.

The documentation is transcribed directly from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record. While the object is identified as a clock with an alarm produced in Germany during the 18th century, the record notes that the extent to which this represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Museum object number 589-1872”
  • “Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific identity of the individuals featured in the engraved roundel portraits on the base?
  • Does the internal movement contain any maker's marks or signatures that were not visible on the exterior?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Table clock with alarm
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialbrass, engraved and gilded“brass, engraved and gilded”
Height15.8 cm“15.8 cm in height”
Diameter9.2 cm“9.2 cm in diameter”
Place of originGermany“produced in Germany”
Date18th century“18th century”
Museum number589-1872“589-1872”

Visible details

  • Three cast dolphin-shaped feet support the upper alarm housing.
  • The cylindrical base features engraved roundel portraits.
  • The horizontal top surface displays a sunburst-style dial pattern.
  • A domed alarm bell is positioned at the top of the clock assembly.

Research qualifications

  • The specific maker of the clock is not identified in the source record.
  • The precise 18th-century date range within the century is not further specified.

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

Consulted source

Clock with alarm

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d6d562dcb5

Terms in this record

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

Other table clock records