Unsigned, France(?), mid 15th century
Foliot iron
height (front) 29 cm, depth 13.5 cm, diameter of chapter ring 12.5 cm
Inv. 1983.1162.
This early example of a clock of frame construction was used as a watchman's clock and originally had a bell or alarum attached to the side. The bell was sounded by a spigot catching in a hole in the count wheel, which is fitted inside the dial ring. It signalled to the bell ringer that it was time to toll the bell of the tower. The front with the dial terminates in a fleur de lys above and below, and is painted. The hours, numbered I to XII in Roman numerals, are indicated by a single hand. The clock is driven by pointed oval weights.
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