A striking alarm clock in a square gilt-brass case surmounted by a silver figure representing Prudence, German, about 1580.

V&A — Summary

A striking alarm clock in a gilt-brass circular case supported on a baluster stem with spreading foot decorated with masks, fruit and strapwork. The clock is surmounted by a silver figure of Prudence. The back of the clock case is pierced with a symmetrical design of floral scrolls issuing from a vase. The case is surrounded by a silver ring pierced with foliage. The movement (incomplete) has a verge escapement and stackfreed. The initials S.A.H.A. indicate former owners.

V&A — Physical description

CASE: The clock movement enclosed in a lens-shaped vertical case, the gilt-brass front and rear portions separated by a silver ring pierced with foliage. The case is supported on a gilt-brass chased pillar of baluster shape resting on a splayed foot repousse with masks, fruit and foliage. Applied silver leaves and florets below and above the case, the latter surmounted by a silver figure of Prudence with right hand upraised. The brass rear cover of the case pierced and chased with a symmetrical design of floral scrolls issuing from a vase. Hinged dial cover, glazed and with an engraved gilt-brass bezel. DIAL AND MOVEMENT: Dial with silver chapter-ring (4.5cm, 1.0cm broad). Roman hours, stars at the half-hours. Central brass disc numbered 1-12 in Arabic. Pierced double-ended steel hand. Movement punched on rear plate “.SA.HA”. Going train at front with stackfreed, the great wheel of iron, the remaining wheels of brass; verge escapement. 3-armed brass balance-wheel, now with balance-spring but without regulator. Striking train with engraved resting-barrel, and count-wheel in the form of a sliding ring, cut and numbered for a sequence 1 to 12. The whole movement hinges into the bell.

V&A — Historical context

J.G.Joicey's bequest in 1919 consisted of over one hundred watches, gold boxes and weapons but this is one of only two clock from his collection in the V&A

V&A — Object history

The clock was one of two beqeathed by J.G.Joicey in 1919 with over thirty watches. Little is known of John George Joicey’s life. He was born in 1863, the youngest son of James Joicey, of Tanfield, Durham, and spent much of his time abroad. When he was in London, he stayed at the Junior Carlton Club, Pall Mall. In 1907 Joicey contacted the Director about depositing on loan a portion of his collection of ceramics, which it was also his intention to bequeath to the Museum. The items were duly exhibited in the Loan Court in 1909. Joicey’s collection comprised Sevres porcelain, English and rare foreign china, gold enamel watches and snuffboxes, inlaid guns and furniture. Joicey died on 8 July 1919, aged 56. The objects already on deposit at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the London Museum, and the Laing Art Gallery became their absolute property; among the residue of object stored at the Chancery Lane Safe Deposit, the Museum was entitled to 'all those of foreign origin'.