Early Turret Clock for Domestic Use

A very rare and early example of a domestic turret clock. The dial has touch pieces (to tell time in the dark) and a single hand, since the concept of minutes was practically unthinkable in this period. The posted iron movement has wood barrels, verge and foliot escapement.

This clock is a miniaturized version of the large iron turret clocks of the period.
Only nobility and the highest levels of society had the means to “miniaturize” the large turret clocks for individual, domestic use. The Almanus manuscript circa 1485 indicates that the Papacy, the cardinals and other well-positioned members of the clergy had smaller, domestic clocks. From the manuscript we can deduce that these smaller clocks were well known by the mid 15th century. These clocks were made in the same fashion for quite some time, making dating them difficult.