Table clock with skeleton movement

Date: mid-16th century or earlier

Culture: German

Medium: Case and dial: gilded brass; Movement: skeleton-type, iron; gilt bronze

Dimensions: Overall: 1 5/8 × 2 1/2 in. (4.1 × 6.4 cm)

Classification: Horology

Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Simon Guggenheim, 1929

Accession Number: 29.52.7

Description

This variety of small, portable timekeeper, which was made for many years, was probably intended to be carried with or on the person. The type existed as early as the middle of the fifteenth century and therefore may be regarded as a forerunner of the watch. The iron wheel-balance of this one is missing.

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