g168 Sold

Qianlong Period Chinese Time and Alarm Drum Clock.

Miscellaneous / Japanese

Inv. #: g168

Size: Case diameter is 4.5 in.

Sold

Rare late-18th century Qianlong period Chinese time and alarm drum clock. The bronze case has decorative fretwork incorporating the dragon motif and the movement and dial are secured via a keyway. The one-day double twin-fusee movement has the steel balance wheel planted on the engraved backplate. It employs a verge-like escapement and is wound through the bottom of the case and the large bell. The 24-hour porcelain hour chapter frames a center wheel that carries the hand and an aperture to set the alarm. Once set and wound the two steel hammers hit the bell until the spring unwinds.

Ref: For similar examples see:'The Seiko Timepiece Collection', pg.87'Çlocks and Watches of the Qing Dynasty', pg. 40.