Louis Meier was the builder and owner of this clock. Construction was begun in 1892 and finished in 1904. The clock was displayed at Meier's jewelry store and at some fairs. This postcard is from the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago, where Meier's Wonderful Clock was displayed in 1934.
The clock's frame is made of carved mahogany. It is 14 ft. high, 7 ft. wide, and weighs 2500 pounds. The clock was driven by weights. It has small dials running in harmony with the master clock that show the time in thirteen principal cities throughout the world. The moon's phases are shown by an illuminated sphere at the top that revolves once in 29 days and 8 hours. A calendar that changes automatically shows the date.
A globe on the lower part of the clock represents the earth and revolves in 24 hours. Miniature figures, accompanied by music and representing men of different nations, marched out around the globe every five minutes. Chimes were rung every quarter hour by characters representing childhood, youth, manhood, and old age. Hours were struck by Father Time.
The clock was not seen for many years, but was eventually donated by the family to the Detroit Historical Museum and was restored.
The clock's frame is made of carved mahogany. It is 14 ft. high, 7 ft. wide, and weighs 2500 pounds. The clock was driven by weights. It has small dials running in harmony with the master clock that show the time in thirteen principal cities throughout the world. The moon's phases are shown by an illuminated sphere at the top that revolves once in 29 days and 8 hours. A calendar that changes automatically shows the date.
A globe on the lower part of the clock represents the earth and revolves in 24 hours. Miniature figures, accompanied by music and representing men of different nations, marched out around the globe every five minutes. Chimes were rung every quarter hour by characters representing childhood, youth, manhood, and old age. Hours were struck by Father Time.
The clock was not seen for many years, but was eventually donated by the family to the Detroit Historical Museum and was restored.
17 comments:
Oh my! That is one huge clock. I'm glad it made its way to a museum.
I've seen a picture of the clock, but never seen it in person. It is amazing. i love old clock and I'm sorry we don't really rely on clocks or watches anymore.
A masterpiece of handicraft! No wonder it took Mr. Meier 12 years to complete this ingenious piece of work! Thanks for showing, never seen or heard of it before.
What a clock and one I would like to see. I don't thing there is a floof in my house that would be strong enough to hold it.
The figure to the right really gives the clock perpective.
Yes, that perspective is quite amazing - thank you for a wonderful and educational post!
I sure would love to see that in person. How intricate and imaginative. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Kathy M.
What a magnificent clock. I would never have thought it was that tall, but for the clever idea of having a person standing beside it to give some perspective.
I can see why it would take a dozen years to build that clock. My father would have enjoyed seeing it in person, and I enjoyed seeing the postcard.
Wow, amazing, imagine having it in your house and moving it around! :)
This would be one VERY loud clock. Just the think for a noisy convention hall where the floofs are strong enough to hold it.
What an impressive clock - it certainly deserves to be in a museum.
At first glance it looks like a mantle clock, until seeing the human figure. What a fascinating piece of craftsmanship, nice it is preserved to be still enjoyed by everyone.
That's one fabulous clock. It took me awhile to see that there was a man standing next to it. Would love to see it in person.
Nancy
Huge and very ornate! I'm pleased to hear it has been restored and is being looked after :-) Jo
Splendid piece, but 12 years in the making? Whoa!!! I had to google it, just to see it even better.
Nice find!!
:)~
HUGZ
Wow! What a magnificent clock. It must be beautiful to see (and hear) in person.
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