German Drum Table-Clock

Case: Gilt-metal drum-shaped case, the side cast and chased with cartouche work and fruit in relief. The base cover punched in the inside 1581 and engraved on the outside with arabesque foliage and including hounds and hares and the motto "posui deum adiutorem meum". The three turned feet missing. This cover is pierced with two winding holes marked W for going train and S for striking train.
Dial: Silvered chapter ring (10.4 cm) diameter (possibly a renewal), 1.3 cm broad, through the centre of which protrudes a large bell (7.6 cm diameter). The chapter ring with engraved Roman hours and half-hour marks. Single curved double-ended hour hand, a renewal made in the Museum.
Movement: Movement plates 4 inches diameter, iron, the turned pillars are also iron. Going train with fusee of 6 turns and chain and of iron throughout. Plain straight bar balance of dumb-bell shape, probably a renewal. Striking train also of iron throughout, except for a renewed fanfly. Now with an unprotected mainspring but probably formerly with a resting barrel. External count-wheel with internal teeth, driven by reduction gearing from the second wheel of the striking train. Decorative fixed brass cover for the interior of the count-wheel and brass finger pointer indicating the hour last struck.

Purchased from the collection of J.H.Fitzhenry, 1913

When bought, the clock had a pierced gilt-metal dome covering the bell (attached by three silver clips), three silver lion feet and a female figure with pointer to show the time. These were all modern additions and were removed.

A gilt metal drum shaped table clock the sides cast and chased with masks and fruit and the bottom engraved with the motto POSVI DEVM AVDITOREM MEVM (I have made God my helper). The silver numeral dial has an iron hand; the clock has a steel movement with a verge escapement.

M.141-1913