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ID #SA1155748
FOR SALE
£3,500
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Art Deco Automaton Clock by Vitascope Isle of Man Electric Moving Ship
Bushells Antiques
for sale €4,095     $4,445
£3,500
Bushells Antiques

Bushells Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2020
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Art Deco Automaton Clock by Vitascope Isle of Man Electric Moving Ship

1920 - 1940
Description

Art Deco Automaton Clock by Vitascope – Isle of Man – Circa 1940

Electric Rocking Ship – Working Order – Serviced – Star of India Replica

A rare and visually striking Art Deco automaton clock made by Vitascope, Ramsey, Isle of Man, circa 1940. This collectible clock features a rocking ship automaton against an illuminated seascape, with the sky subtly shifting from sunrise to sunset.

Maker: Vitascope, Isle of Man

Era: Circa 1940

Design: Art Deco, with original Black Bakelite case and chrome dial/hands

Automaton Feature: Moving ship (thought to represent the Star of India)

Scene: Illuminated ocean with dynamic light transition background

Dimensions: 31.5 cm (H) x 27 cm (W) x 15 cm (D)

Condition: Very good original condition. Some light hairline scratches, minor scuffs to Bakelite, and tiny paint flecks (see photos). Fully cleaned, serviced, and in full working order

Museum Example: A similar model is displayed in the Manx Museum

A true collector's piece combining automaton mechanics, historical maritime tribute, and bold Art Deco styling. Ideal for clock enthusiasts and lovers of unique 20th-century design.

Declaration

Bushells Antiques has dated this Vitascope Art Deco Clock to the 1940s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1155748
Dealers Notes

Opening hours:

Monday - Sunday 8.30 - 21.00 Seven Days.

By appointment only.

UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, FREE DELIVERY TO MAINLAND UK

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DISTANCE SELLING REGULATIONS : All items purchased from Bushell's Antiques are covered under the UK Distance Selling Regulations, which give all buyers the right to cancel the purchase within 7 working days after receipt of the item, for a full refund less RETURN transport costs.

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Description
Art Deco Automaton Clock by Vitascope – Isle of Man – Circa 1940

Electric Rocking Ship – Working Order – Serviced – Star of India Replica

“
A rare and visually striking Art Deco automaton clock made by Vitascope, Ramsey, Isle of Man, circa 1940.
Bushells Antiques

This collectible clock features a rocking ship automaton against an illuminated seascape, with the sky subtly shifting from sunrise to sunset.

fig 1. An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model.
fig 1. Art Deco Automaton Clock by Vitascope Isle of Man Electric Moving Ship

Maker: Vitascope, Isle of Man

Era: Circa 1940

Design: Art Deco, with original Black Bakelite case and chrome dial/hands

Automaton Feature: Moving ship (thought to represent the Star of India)

Scene: Illuminated ocean with dynamic light transition background

fig 2. An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model.
fig 2. Art Deco Automaton Clock by Vitascope Isle of Man Electric Moving Ship

Dimensions: 31.5 cm (H) x 27 cm (W) x 15 cm (D)

Condition: Very good original condition. Some light hairline scratches, minor scuffs to Bakelite, and tiny paint flecks (see photos). Fully cleaned, serviced, and in full working order

fig 3. An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model.
fig 3. Art Deco Automaton Clock by Vitascope Isle of Man Electric Moving Ship

Museum Example: A similar model is displayed in the Manx Museum

A true collector's piece combining automaton mechanics, historical maritime tribute, and bold Art Deco styling. Ideal for clock enthusiasts and lovers of unique 20th-century design.

Date of Manufacture

Bushells Antiques has dated this Vitascope Art Deco Clock to the 1940s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1155748
Bushells Antiques
Bushells Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2020

Fine art, porcelain, jewellery, silver, clocks, pictures, oriental objects d’art and furniture

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Bushells Antiques Profile Page

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An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model.
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Archive I An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model.

Art Deco Automaton Clock By Vitascope Isle Of Man Electric Moving Ship

Archive II An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model. View II
Archive III An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model. View III
Archive IV An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model. View IV
Archive V An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model. View V
Archive VI An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model. View VI
Archive VII An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Bushells Antiques

Bushells Antiques
Telephone 0800 049 6228
Location
Westminster
London
WC2H
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/bushellsantiques
Verified Since Apr 2020
Items For Sale 495
Items Sold 298
Bushells Antiques
Bushells Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: Westminster, London, WC2H, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/bushellsantiques
Verified
Apr 2020
For Sale
495
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An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model.
Art Deco Automaton Clock By Vitascope Isle Of Man Electric Moving Ship
Ref: SA1155748
An Art Deco black Bakelite electric clock featuring a chrome chapter ring beneath an illuminated diorama window with a moving ship model.
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FAQs

Vitascope clocks are electric timepieces produced in the Isle of Man during the 1940s and 1950s, characterised by an illuminated upper aperture containing an animated diorama of a sailing ship moving on ocean waves alongside a traditional clock dial.

These clocks typically feature moulded Bakelite or early plastic cases, glass display windows, chrome-plated metal hands and chapter rings, and lightweight internal components for the electrical automaton mechanism.

Authentic examples feature the distinctive moulded arched case style, a circular openwork chapter ring with Art Deco numerals at three, six, nine, and twelve, and internal electric motor housing specific to the Isle of Man production.

Place the clock as a focal point on a mantelpiece, sideboard top, or bookshelf within a Gentlemans Library or mid-century scheme to highlight its sculptural silhouette and mechanical display.

Keep the casing dust-free by wiping with a dry soft cloth, avoid abrasive cleaners on Bakelite or chrome surfaces, and ensure the internal electrical wiring is inspected and tested by a qualified electrician prior to use.
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