The night watchman would have depressed the lever on the top of the clock to show that he had visited a location.This in turn will depresses a pin on the outer chapter ring of the dial,readable over the next 12-hour period through the gap surrounding the dial.Multiple pins may be depressed,one each time he visits. With the initial design of these clocks,the boss would check the pins depressed to make sure the chap was doing his job right,over a 11hour period. Passing strike on a bell.

The maker of this clock. DENT

COCKSPUR ST

LONDON. DATE C 1840 very famous maker in the clock world.fusee movement (chain).

Physical Dimensions

Height

36cm (14.17")

Depth

17cm (6.69")

Declaration

Samuel Orr Antique Clocks has dated this Antique Night Watchman Clock to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1018866

Dealers Internal Reference

Night

Description

The night watchman would have depressed the lever on the top of the clock to show that he had visited a location.

“

This in turn will depresses a pin on the outer chapter ring of the dial,readable over the next 12-hour period through the gap surrounding the dial.

Samuel Orr Antique Clocks

Multiple pins may be depressed,one each time he visits. With the initial design of these clocks,the boss would check the pins depressed to make sure the chap was doing his job right,over a 11hour period. Passing strike on a bell.

The maker of this clock. DENT

COCKSPUR ST

LONDON. DATE C 1840 very famous maker in the clock world.fusee movement (chain).

Physical Dimensions

Height

36cm (14.17")

Depth

17cm (6.69")

Date of Manufacture

Samuel Orr Antique Clocks has dated this Antique Night Watchman Clock to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1018866

Dealers Internal Ref

Night

About the Dealer

Samuel Orr Antique Clocks

Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2023

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Samuel Orr Antique Clocks Profile Page

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A Victorian mahogany night watchman clock featuring a circular dial with Roman numerals, brass bezel, top mechanism, and carved foliate details at the base.

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Archive I

Night watchman clock by Famous maker

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Archive XI

A night watchman clock, also known as a tell-tale clock, was used in commercial and institutional settings to ensure security personnel completed their rounds at scheduled intervals. The mechanism recorded the exact time a watchman activated a key or plunger at specific checkpoints.

Victorian clocks were predominantly constructed using dense hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, or rosewood for the outer casing. Internal movements relied on cast brass plates and steel gears, often accompanied by glass dial covers and brass bevels.

Authentic 19th-century English clocks often feature engraved maker marks with specific city locations on the dial or movement backplate. Additional indicators include hand-cut gear teeth, heavy brass movement plates, original key-wound mechanisms, and natural timber wear.

An antique table or mantel clock serves as a focal point on a fireplace mantel, bookshelf, or side console table. Pairing dark timber horological pieces with neutral backdrops, brass decorative objects, and modern artwork creates a balanced, curated aesthetic.

Keep the wooden casing away from direct sunlight, dampness, and strong heat sources to prevent wood movement and varnish cracking. Dust the exterior gently with a dry microfibre cloth and ensure the internal movement is serviced by a professional horologist every five to seven years.

Samuel Orr Antique Clocks

Night Watchman Clock by Famous Maker

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Samuel Orr Antique Clocks

Night Watchman Clock by Famous Maker

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The Sustainable Choice

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