A Bakelite electric automata ship timepiece

Details

A Bakelite electric automata ship timepiece
the moulded and domed pale green case with clear plastic panel to top, with rocking sail ship to the interior against a background which simulates day/night when lit, the manual start 230v-50 cycle synchronous motor driving hands and automata, a further drum with lamp and sheet of dyed gelatine rotating to provide effect of changing light, with trade label for VITASCOPE INDUSTRIES LTD to the reverse, English, circa 1945 -- 12½in.(32cm.) high

Lot Essay

The first patent for the design of this clock was taken out in 1941 by J.S. Thatcher. Subsequent amendments were covered by patents taken out in 1944 and 1947 by J.F. Summersgill. See Collectable Clocks, Alan and Rita Shenton, Antique Collector's Club, 1985, page 403.

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