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Sector Clock
ca. 1810
Maker not marked
France
a: clock: gilt brass; alabaster; enamel b: metal
overall: 18-1/2"h x 9-1/2"w
Gift of Mrs. Willis R. Michael
85.108.10a-b

Sector Clock; a: clock: gilt case in shape of classical temple porch mounted on alabaster base; blue enamel front plate with cloisonne floral pattern; gilt classical female figure (Goddess of Time) with moveable arms; vertical sector-shaped enamel plaques with hour and minutes; horizontal balance wheel with snail cams connected to rods leading up to hour and minute arm indicators; back plate stamped "L" and "42"; b: key.


The availability of small, inexpensive, factory-made, brass clockworks allowed makers to design hundreds of different clock types and shapes. Consumers could choose designs that complemented their household décor or just tickled their fancy. Novelty clocks, like this one in the shape of John Bull, a symbol of plain-spoken commonsense Englishmen, found a place in the market. The eyes on this figural clock moved in time with the mechanism.