A highlight of Unique Auctions’ Prestige New Year’s Auction is an exceptional mid-19th-century clock with a fascinating revolving world time indication, attributed to the celebrated clockmaker James Cooke of Birmingham. Known for his innovative designs and technical craftsmanship, James Cooke registered this clock design on 2nd December 1856 under the category “Clock or Fingerpiece Dial Plates,” reflecting his contribution to 19th-century horological advancements.
This clock features a 12-inch dial with a hinged cast brass bezel, a solid painted dial plate displaying an Arabic minute ring, and 43 different world locations. At the centre of the dial, two beautifully rendered antique globes represent Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania on the left, and New Zealand and the Americas on the right. The rotating painted Roman numeral hour dial is marked with “Midday” and “Midnight” at opposing twelves, providing an intuitive representation of time across the globe. The steel minute hand sweeps across the detailed design, making this clock both a work of art and a practical timepiece.
The movement features a gut fusee mechanism with four knopped and bevelled pillars and an anchor escapement, highlighting the precision engineering of its era. The dial bears the inscription “Registered Decr 2nd 1856 3910,” confirming its connection to Cooke’s innovative design, which was officially protected as a registered intellectual property.
A comparable timepiece with a similar movement was sold by Bonhams, London, in their Fine Clocks Sale of July 2022, for £7,650 inc prmium. These pieces are celebrated for their ingenuity and are sought after by collectors of historical horology.
About James Cooke of Birmingham
James Cooke was an accomplished clockmaker based in Birmingham, a city renowned during the 19th century for its skilled artisans and thriving manufacturing industry. Cooke specialized in innovative designs, as evidenced by his registration of unique features like world time indication and complex dial plates. His clocks often combined functional precision with artistic appeal, catering to a clientele that valued both utility and beauty.
Auction Details
Unique Auctions’ Prestige New Year’s Auction takes place over three days, starting at 9 am daily:
- Wednesday, 1st January 2025: Lots 1–1000
- Thursday, 2nd January 2025: Lots 1001–1500
- Friday, 3rd January 2025: Lots 1501–2000
Viewing Times:
- Tuesday, 31st December 2024: 9 am–4 pm
- Auction Days (1st, 2nd, and 3rd January): From 7 am
Venue:
Unique Auctions
Vincent Court, Turnstone Road, Teal Park, Lincoln, LN6 3AD
This exceptional mid-19th-century clock by James Cooke is just one of the rare treasures awaiting collectors at the auction. Don’t miss the opportunity to acquire this piece of horological history. For more information, contact Unique Auctions or visit their website.
