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ID #SA1178275
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Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857
Sold by Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
sold SA1178275
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2025
Browse dealers 74 items
  • About Us
    Specialists in fine antique furniture, decorative arts & collectables
Id #SA1178275
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Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857

19th century
Sold 20 December 2025 · Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
This “Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857” found a buyer.

It was listed by Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

See more mantel clocks for sale Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857

A late 19th century American cast iron novelty mantel clock by Bradley & Hubbard of Meriden, Connecticut. The figure of John Bull is shown in Victorian dress, wearing a frock coat and top hat, and holding a circular clock dial.

The white enamelled dial has Roman numerals and blued steel hands within a brass bezel. The figure’s eyes are designed to move side-to-side in rhythm with the escapement – the distinctive “blinking eye” feature.

The underside of the base is cast with the maker’s name and the U.S. patent date of June 18, 1857, relating to the design registration rather than the exact date of manufacture.

The original movement is present together with the eye mechanism, though not currently in working order. The painted surface shows wear and rubbing but retains decorative appeal. The cast iron case is structurally sound.

Bradley & Hubbard, Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1875–1890

Cast iron figural case with enamel dial and brass bezel

Blinking eye mechanism intact

Original movement present but not running

Patent date cast to underside

Height: approx. 38 cm; Width: 20 cm; Depth: 12 cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
38cm (14.96")
Width
20cm (7.87")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Declaration

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd has dated this Cast Iron Blinking Eye Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1178275
Dealers Notes

All items offered by Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd are carefully selected for their authenticity, decorative appeal, and period character. We specialise in antique and vintage pieces sourced with a knowledgeable eye, and we aim to provide accurate descriptions and detailed photographs for every item.

Our stock is available to view by appointment at our Worcester showrooms, and we are happy to provide further information or additional images on request.

We offer both national and international delivery, and can arrange professional packing or assisted delivery where appropriate.

We strive to make the buying process as straightforward and personal as possible — whether you're a private collector, interior designer, or trade client.

Description
Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857
“
A late 19th century American cast iron novelty mantel clock by Bradley & Hubbard of Meriden, Connecticut.
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

The figure of John Bull is shown in Victorian dress, wearing a frock coat and top hat, and holding a circular clock dial.

fig 1. An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features.
fig 1. Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857

The white enamelled dial has Roman numerals and blued steel hands within a brass bezel. The figure’s eyes are designed to move side-to-side in rhythm with the escapement – the distinctive “blinking eye” feature.

fig 2. An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features.
fig 2. Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857

The underside of the base is cast with the maker’s name and the U.S. patent date of June 18, 1857, relating to the design registration rather than the exact date of manufacture.

The original movement is present together with the eye mechanism, though not currently in working order. The painted surface shows wear and rubbing but retains decorative appeal. The cast iron case is structurally sound.

fig 3. An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features.
fig 3. Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857

Bradley & Hubbard, Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1875–1890

Cast iron figural case with enamel dial and brass bezel

Blinking eye mechanism intact

Original movement present but not running

Patent date cast to underside

Height: approx. 38 cm; Width: 20 cm; Depth: 12 cm

Height
38cm (14.96")
Width
20cm (7.87")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Date of Manufacture

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd has dated this Cast Iron Blinking Eye Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1178275
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2025

Specialists in fine antique furniture, decorative arts & collectables

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd Profile Page

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An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 15
Archive I An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857

Archive II An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View II
Archive III An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View III
Archive IV An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View IV
Archive V An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View V
Archive VI An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View VI
Archive VII An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View VII
Archive VIII An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View VIII
Archive IX An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View IX
Archive X An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View X
Archive XI An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View XI
Archive XII An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View XII
Archive XIII An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View XIII
Archive XIV An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View XIV
Archive XV An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Telephone 01905 799928
Location
50 Barbourne Road
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR1 1JA
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/treasuretroveworcester
Verified Since Apr 2025
Items For Sale 74
Items Sold 76
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Verified Since Apr 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: 50 Barbourne Road, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 1JA, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/treasuretroveworcester
Verified
Apr 2025
For Sale
74
Sold
76
An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features.
Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857
Ref: SA1178275
An antique cast iron figural mantel clock shaped like John Bull with a central clock dial and painted features.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectMantel Clocks
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialCast Iron, Brass
  • ColourMulticolour
  • MotifsFigural human representation, Integrated dial, Moulded base, Hand-painted polychrome finish
  • SizeH 38 cm (15 in) x W 20 cm (8 in) x D 12 cm (5 in)

FAQs

Blinking eye novelty clocks are 19th-century mechanical timepieces featuring caricatured figures whose eyes move in sync with the pendulum motion, patented originally in the United States during the 1850s.

These pieces were typically constructed from heavy moulded cast iron, often hand-painted or given a polychrome finish, and housed standard brass mechanical clock movements.

Authentic pieces generally feature crisp casting details, original patent dates stamped on the reverse or movement, characteristic polychrome painted finishes, and heavy iron construction without modern fabrication marks.

Position the clock as a focal point on a mantelpiece, bookshelf, or side table where its unique mechanical character can be appreciated as a conversation piece amidst minimal surroundings.

Keep the clock away from direct sunlight and high moisture to protect the painted surface, dust gently with a soft dry cloth, and have the mechanical movement serviced periodically by a professional horologist.
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