Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Mantel Clock
1880-1900
w. Lister and Sons
England: Newcastle-on-Tyne
Cast metal, wood, velvet, enamel
overall: 14-3/4"h x 19-1/2"w x 7"d
Gift of William Washburn in Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Dexter C. Washburn
79.73.2a-c

a: Mantel Clock; cast metal, painted gold, has swags, three enamel ovals with painted flowers and cherub; cast metal cherub atached to top; circular clock face reads "N" or "W" Lister and Sons"; brass works. b: wooden base (with worn velvet top) c: pendulum

By the end of the 1800s, consumers could choose from a staggering variety of clocks. Shops and merchants offered many different sizes, prices, functions, and styles. An individual’s choice of clock directly reflected their personality and taste, especially at the top end of the market. Stylish clocks, like this one, were often sold by jewelers catering to well-off, fashion-conscious buyers.