Museum piece
This mantel clock has the distinctive curved case traditionally known as a “Napoleon hat” design. Its dark brown wooden case rises in gentle curves from a broad base to a rounded top. The visible wood grain complements its restrained appearance.
The light-coloured circular dial features black Roman numerals and elegantly shaped hands. A brass-coloured glazed bezel protects the dial. Three winding holes indicate the mechanical movement and striking mechanism inside.
Inside is a spring-driven mechanical pendulum movement. Its Westminster chimes sound on five chime rods. An audio recording preserves the sound of this clock.
The word “FOREIGN” stamped on the movement reflects the international trade in clocks. From the late 19th century onwards, various countries introduced country-of-origin marking requirements. The US McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 regulated such markings, while the term “FOREIGN” also appeared on clocks imported into Britain. The clock’s original export destination therefore cannot be established with certainty.
This clock has found a new home in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
Manufacturer
It is no longer possible to identify the maker of every clock with certainty. Company marks, inscriptions and other clues may have been lost over the decades. Cases and movements were also frequently made by different businesses.
Where clear evidence is lacking, we deliberately refrain from attributing a clock to a particular manufacturer. The clock itself nevertheless remains a witness to its time. Its design, technology and craftsmanship tell part of its history even when its maker is unknown.