Drum Clock and Case thumbnail 1
Drum Clock and Case thumbnail 2
+2
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Jewellery, Rooms 91 to 93 mezzanine, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery

This object consists of 4 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Drum Clock and Case

ca.1540 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A gilt brass alarm travelling clock with a leather case engraved with a representation of The Crucifixion of Christ between two scrolls each inscribed SPES MEA DEUS. On top a single handed dial is engraved with the sun and has touch pins for telling the time at night. French mid 16th century.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 4 parts.

  • Clock
  • Case
  • Alarum
  • Lid
Materials and techniques
Case: gilded brass, engraved; Travelling case: leather
Brief description
Drum clock and case, made in France or Germany, about 1540. Gilded brass, engraved with the Crucifixion
Physical description
Gilt-brass travelling clock with alarm and leather case engraved with a representation of the Crucifixion. French, 16th century.
The Clock: The cylindrical case engraved with a crucifix between two scrolls each inscribed 'SPES MEA DEUS' and with two scenes of a town with tree, the three panels being divided by engraved Corinthian columns. The bottom of the case is removable. On the top is a single-handed dial engraed with the sun and fitted with pegs for night reading. The gut fusee may be inspected through a small door in the side of the case. Height 1 3/4 inchjes Diameter 1 7/8 inches.

The alarm: Cylindrical plain case supported on three clawed feet which grip the rim of the clock dial, and surmounted by a bell held in position by a foliated washer and a knob. A trip release projecting below the case is worked by the hour hand of the clock. Height 3 inches

The leather case with stamped and gilt decoration is of pointed cylindrical shape and fitted with four loops for carrying strap. Height 4 3/4 inches.
Dimensions
  • Leather case height: 4 3/8in
Style
Credit line
Given by W.E. Miller FSA
Object history
One of fourteen clocks and sundials given by W.E.Miller FSA
Subjects depicted
Summary
A gilt brass alarm travelling clock with a leather case engraved with a representation of The Crucifixion of Christ between two scrolls each inscribed SPES MEA DEUS. On top a single handed dial is engraved with the sun and has touch pins for telling the time at night. French mid 16th century.
Collection
Accession number
M.176-1938

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Record createdMarch 7, 2008
Record URL
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