Advertising Shelf Clock, c. 1825
Fryer & Company
Nelson, Lancashire, England
This clock is not only an advertisement, but also comes with the product it is promoting. The clock was sold along with the two tins seen on either side of it; these tins were for holding Victory "V" Gums and Lozenges, made by Fryer & Company. A label on the back of the clock case proclaims this candy as "The World's Winter Sweetmeats…For Cold Journeys". Evidently these lozenges had a somewhat spicy flavor, which was said to keep people warm. The spice connection may explain why the clock case and tins are decorated with Middle Eastern and Native American figures, harking back to the days of European explorers searching for spices in distant regions of the world.
The label on the back also explains why the advertisers chose a clock to help sell this particular product: "Customers ask for these specialties as regular 'as a clock'". Hence, the clock becomes an advertising tool. The actual clock inside the case comes out very easily, and can stand on its own. Possibly this was a freestanding model that was adapted for its current purpose as an advertising piece. The only marks on the movement are a stamped "25" and butterfly.
Donated by Mr. And Mrs. Jules Weinberg, FNAWCC #14925 / NAWCC #24798
75.1.77