Billiard clock (0356)
Index: 0356
Year: ?
Maker: C. Mossiat, Belgium
Dimensions: 31 x 19 x 10 cm
Info
Old billiard clock for three-cushion billiards. The clock contains an internal clock mechanism with escape wheel driving a cam like gear. This in turn moves a lever that activates another mechanism to turn the clock-hand and driving the counter wheels (4 wheels hidden behind the dial plate). This happens approximately every 1 minute and 43 secs. No idea if this frequency is on purpose, or shows the age ...
The dial goes from 0 (assuming as paper at 0 is gone) to 900. Not sure if these are minutes. Running the clock for approx 21 minutes shows the hand moving from 0 to 44. If intentionally, this would make the scale shown in half minutes ?
With the lid closed, a fine steel wire blocks the escapement wheel to disable counting. When the lid is opened by means of the long key to get the balls out, the escapement is freed and the clock starts to run. When closing the lid, the upper ball (red ?) pushes against a flap to enable the locking mechanism: the lid can not be closed without the balls. Also, when the lid is closed, the bells at the backside are rung. Guess to warn the barkeeper or waiting players.
Both the clock mechanism spring and the spring for moving the hand and number wheels must be wound separately.
Inscriptions on dial:
TAXE 1 HEURE
BREVETE S.G.D.G.
TAXI=BILLIARD
C.MOSSIAT = BRUXELLES
FABRICATION BELGE
References/Links/More Info
No info found
