Gravity clock - Kee-Less Clock Company - Steel, brass - 1920-1930 - Gravitational clock
00
days
16
hours
19
minutes
37
seconds
Current bid
€ 89
No reserve price
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Selected by Paula Martin-Calero Toro
Holds a degree in art history; over six years cataloguing and appraising antiques.
Estimate € 110 - € 170
 | €89 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €86 | |
| €83 | |
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Desk clock by Kee-Less Clock Company of London, dating from 1922–1931, in brass and steel with a gravity-driven mechanical movement and a one-day power reserve, no striking, dimensions 26 cm high by 11 cm wide by 7 cm deep, weight 1 kg, condition acceptable and not in working order.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Singular mantel clock manufactured by Kee-Less Clock Company, in London, between 1922 and 1931, characterized by its original gravity-operated mechanism and its unusual escapement.
The clock is constructed in brass, with a rectangular base, two vertical columns and a circular movable body that contains the dial and the movement. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the clock’s own weight provides the energy needed for its operation, without resorting to conventional winding systems.
To start it, the circular body is manually raised to the top of the columns. From that position, the clock descends slowly by gravity, through a pinion that engages with a toothed rack located on one of the columns. This displacement powers the mechanism and allows the hands to advance. When the body reaches the bottom, it is necessary to raise it again.
Another particularly interesting feature is its dead-beat rolling escapement, regulated by a short, slow-beat pendulum. This distinctive regulator features two spherical masses, placed one above and one below its axis of oscillation, visible next to the mechanism through the dial.
A specimen of this model is preserved in the British Museum in London, with inventory number H2014,8038.34, forming part of the Glanville & Wolmuth collection of British domestic mechanical clocks of the 20th century.
It shows signs of age and use consistent with its era, visible in the photographs, which form an integral part of the description. The timestamp on the images attests to the current state of the piece.
Shipping is carried out with proper protection and with a tracking number.
Singular mantel clock manufactured by Kee-Less Clock Company, in London, between 1922 and 1931, characterized by its original gravity-operated mechanism and its unusual escapement.
The clock is constructed in brass, with a rectangular base, two vertical columns and a circular movable body that contains the dial and the movement. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the clock’s own weight provides the energy needed for its operation, without resorting to conventional winding systems.
To start it, the circular body is manually raised to the top of the columns. From that position, the clock descends slowly by gravity, through a pinion that engages with a toothed rack located on one of the columns. This displacement powers the mechanism and allows the hands to advance. When the body reaches the bottom, it is necessary to raise it again.
Another particularly interesting feature is its dead-beat rolling escapement, regulated by a short, slow-beat pendulum. This distinctive regulator features two spherical masses, placed one above and one below its axis of oscillation, visible next to the mechanism through the dial.
A specimen of this model is preserved in the British Museum in London, with inventory number H2014,8038.34, forming part of the Glanville & Wolmuth collection of British domestic mechanical clocks of the 20th century.
It shows signs of age and use consistent with its era, visible in the photographs, which form an integral part of the description. The timestamp on the images attests to the current state of the piece.
Shipping is carried out with proper protection and with a tracking number.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
Kee-Less Clock Company
Title additional information
Gravitational clock
Number of objects
1
Clock type
Gravity clock
Material
Steel, brass
Clock mechanism
Mechanical
Power reserve
1 day movement
Striking
Not striking
Maker/designer
Kee-Less Clock Company
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
In working order
No
Height
26 cm
Width
11 cm
Depth
7 cm
Estimated period
1920-1930
Weight
1 kg
Winding key
No
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