TOY

An incomplete post medieval copper alloy toy watch dating to the mid 17th century. This is a Forsyth and Egan (2005) type 5 watch, being circular and slightly umbonate. The cast single hand of the clock, with trefoil pointer and no counter poise, is pointing at 12 and 6. The letter R is positioned either side of the central boss. A twisted rope border separates the hands from the numerals, which are roman. Each numeral is evenly spaced and separated by a single pellet. There is a linear border separating the numerals from the outer decorative band. The outer band consists of a series of alternating double pellets and sunburst motifs. The sunburst motifs are created in the ring and dot style with double prongs at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock around the ring. The edge of the watch is decorated in a twisted rope design.

The watch has been pierced, with a circular perforation just above the VI, though the perforation has fractured to the edge of the object. There is also a great deal of wear around the edge of the object.

Pierced toy watches are believed to imitate alarm, striking or repeating watches (Forsyth and Egan, 2005, 350) which were common in the mid-17th century. Also, this example can be dated to before 1680 as it is after this point that double hands become the standard design (Ibid, 2005, 350).

Dimensions: diameter: 31.91 mm; thickness: 0.85 mm; weight: 4.59g.

Reference: Forsyth, H. and Egan, G. 2005. Toys, Trifles and Trinkets. Base Metal Miniatures from London 1200 to 1800. Unicorn Press, London.