Tabernacle clock, engraved with figures of Mercury, Minerva, and Venus with Cupid, German, about 1620.

V&A — Summary

A gilt brass upright square alarm clock the sides engraved with figures representing Mercury, Minerva and Venus with Cupid. Surmounted by a bell which is suspended from a double arch. The movement is of steel. On hand and a medallion are missing from the face. French, late 16th century. Purchased from Mr George Jorck, Putney, London, 1913

V&A — Physical description

Case: Gilt-brass case, the sides and back engraved with figures of Mercury, Minerva, and Venus with Cupid; turned feet, one missing. The bottom plate a renewal. Dial: Brass dial, 6.7 cm diameter, the applied brass chapter ring now engraved with Roman hours only, but formerly with an inner ring showing Italian hours 13 to 24 inclusive in arabic numerals. This part of the ring now cut away. The chapter-ring now riveted to the dial, but formerly held by posts, for which the holes remain. There was probably an inner one-quarter hour or minute dial, as the gearing provides for hour- and minute-hands, now missing. Applied engraved brass scrolls in the dial corners. Movement: Posted brass frame, brass fusees and barrels with gut lines, going train wheels of brass, but striking train wheels of iron. Going train in front compartment, with verge escapement and plain brass balance-wheel, now with a balance-spring of 2 one-half turns and a Tompion-type regulator, both later additions. The balance-cock a replacement. Striking train in rear compartment, with exterior count-wheel. The spider bell-support a later replacement.

V&A — Object history

French. Dented and damaged. Modern enamelled dial and steel hands removed, and dial-ring reversed. Bottom plate renewed.