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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Rolling ball clock

Thwaites and Reed 'Rolling Ball' Clock

Partially verified

Cataloged as a 1976 rolling ball clock attributed to Thwaites & Reed of London, England, this timepiece features an open brass four-pillar case mounted on a mahogany plinth with a green felt lining. A slanted upper track holds steel balls that feed into a spoked paddle wheel below, where the descending weight of each ball rotates the wheel clockwise to drive the clock movement. Expended balls drop via a vertical brass chute into the felt-lined lower tray. Time is displayed on a silvered chapter ring with black incised Roman numerals, pierced hands, and an oval brass signature tag.

Front view of the Thwaites & Reed rolling ball clock in its clear plastic cover
Front view of the Thwaites & Reed rolling ball clock in its clear plastic cover — Leonard Auction. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Rolling ball clock
Maker / attribution
Thwaites & Reed
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
188
Source-reported date
1976
Country
United Kingdom

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 Architecture and Dust Enclosure

The clock case comprises a mahogany base with a felt top, brass tubular posts, and brass railing surmounted by spherical brass finials. The structure is housed in a transparent plastic cube cover.

Observation of the clock notes a clear cubic plastic dust cover positioned over the assembly on a molded wooden base with a green felt insert. The auction house condition report notes that the plastic cover is splitting at one seam and displays overall light wear consistent with age and normal use.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case having a mahogany base with felt top, brass tubular posts and railing with spherical brass finials”
  • “housed in a plastic cube cover”
  • “plastic cover splitting at one seam; overall light wear consistent with age and normal use”

Rolling Ball Drive and Movement Mechanism

Mechanical drive is described as utilizing steel balls. A long slanted track located on top of the case feeds the balls down into a double disk spoked paddle wheel below, where the weight of each ball rotates the wheel clockwise to drive the clock movement.

When a ball reaches the bottom of the paddle wheel, it drops down through a vertical brass cylinder and is directed into the felt-covered reserve area situated below.

Evidence for this section
  • “a long slanted track on top of the case feeds the steel balls down into a double disk spoked paddle wheel below, the weight of the ball rotates the wheel clockwise which drives the clock movement”
  • “when the ball reaches the bottom of the wheel, it is dropped down through a brass cylinder and directed into the felt covered reserve area below”

Dial Display and Maker Attribution

The time display consists of a silvered dial with black incised Roman numeral hours, pierced black hands, and a brass disc center. The catalog title lists the lot as a 1976 Thwaites & Reed Rolling Ball Clock.

Applied to the dial is a brass signature tag reading “Thwaites & Reed, London, England”. Visible observations additionally note decorative half-hour markers around the silvered chapter ring and a textured gilt center.

Evidence for this section
  • “1976 Thwaites & Reed Rolling Ball Clock.”
  • “silvered dial having black incised Roman numeral hours, brass disc center, brass signature tag for “Thwaites & Reed, London, England” and pierced black hands”

Condition and Testing Disclaimers

The catalog condition report rates the item as 'Very Good' while specifically noting that the clock was not tested, meaning operation cannot be guaranteed.

Additionally, the auction house explicitly stated that the lot was not checked for replaced or missing parts, qualifying all physical completeness and mechanical integrity claims.

Evidence for this section
  • “Condition: Very Good, plastic cover splitting at one seam; overall light wear consistent with age and normal use; not tested; we cannot guarantee the operation; not checked for replaced or missing parts”

Open research questions

  • Does the mechanism rely on manual reloading of balls from the felt reserve to the upper track, or does it include an electric or spring-driven return elevator?
  • Are there movement serial numbers or hallmark date stamps beneath the brass signature tag to corroborate the 1976 catalog date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thwaites and Reed 'Rolling Ball' Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Date of manufacture1976“1976 Thwaites & Reed Rolling Ball Clock.”
Maker attributionThwaites & Reed, London, England“brass signature tag for “Thwaites & Reed, London, England””
DimensionsHeight: 11.50 in, Length: 8.50 in, Width: 8.50 in“Height: 11.50 inches, Length: 8.50 inches, Width: 8.50 inches”
Drive mechanismDescending steel balls driving a paddle wheel“the weight of the ball rotates the wheel clockwise which drives the clock movement”
Base materialsMahogany base with felt top“Case having a mahogany base with felt top”
Auction categoryDecorative Arts > Clocks“Category: Decorative Arts > Clocks”
Recorded dimensionsHeight: 11.50 inches, Length: 8.50 inches, Width: 8.50 inches“Height: 11.50 inches, Length: 8.50 inches, Width: 8.50 inches”

Visible details

  • Silvered chapter ring with black incised Roman numerals and decorative half-hour markers surrounding a textured gilt center.
  • Brass tag mounted at the lower center of the dial reading 'Thwaites & Reed'.
  • Slanted top perimeter track loaded with steel rolling balls.
  • Four tubular brass corner columns topped by spherical finials.
  • Clear cubic plastic dust cover fitted over the clock structure onto a molded wooden base with green felt insert.

Research qualifications

  • Plastic cover is reported as splitting at one seam.
  • The auction house noted light wear consistent with age and did not test operation or verify completeness of parts.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Thwaites and Reed 'Rolling Ball' Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f25690ae8d

Terms in this record

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

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