Vitascope

Copy of Vita Scope Ship 4 001

Art Deco Automata Vita Scope Isle Of Man Bakelite Mantle Clock,Working and Rare Subject: Vita Scope Clock Working Serial Number 05625 An early 20 Th century Bakelite electric novelty timepiece, Vita Scope the molded case with stepped sides, the upper section set with a diorama scene of a rocking ship in full sail on a choppy sea, the ship pitching and tossing as the movement runs, against a painted backdrop, the lower section with a skeletonised Arabic dial 32 cm high Note: This fascinating clock was made in the Isle of man between the Wars.Have a real good look at the photos as they form part of the description and ask for more photos or any other questions . Shipping to be arranged . “In good working order in very nice clean bright Original condition.” and has been re wired . Art Deco Vita Scope clock with automation rocking ship on an illuminated ocean scene with cloud background. Original Art Deco Chrome Hands Electric movement, . Movement has been re wired a few years ago and works perfectly. I have been looking around if I could find an Led Glove that would fit it as it would not give out as much heat , but with the original glove it works really well . I will try and put a video of the clock working on U Tube at supply the link when I do so.I have spent several hours just polishing up the case and the photos do not do it justice.The Bakelite Case has no chips or scratches and everything is original except for the wiring which has been replaced , My Jeweller pulled it apart several years ago and serviced it and added the new wires then . Very Unusual Mottled Walnut brown Bakelite case. Original painted back with start wind and light switch,The back is stamped , Vita Scope Industries Ltd .Serial Number 05625. Made in Isle of Man Between the wars . ( Extra Reading Below of some History about the clock ) The original design of this clock was patented in 1941 by a Mr J.S.Thatcher. The clock is powered by a 250 volt mains supply (at 50 cycles) to a synchronous movement which drives both the hands and the automata. The ship rides on an oval shaped cam which makes it lift and roll. It is lit from the back of the case through a cylinder. (The movement and back panel are earthed using three-core mains wire to comply with EEC regulations). The cylinder made up of coloured strips of gelatine giving the effects of sunrise and sunset as it gently rotates. There is a large piece of Lucite that sends the light up to give you the different time of the day. I have had it running for several days and you can switch the light off if you would so require , but of an evening I really find it adds atmosphere to the whole room ,Thanks for reading all this, I have nothing to hide and so put as much information and photos as I can. The ship is thought to be a replica of the famous tea clipper, ‘The Cutty Sark’ which was launched in 1869 on the river Clyde and can still be seen today at Grenwich Dock in London. The cases were made in various colours including cream, white, brown, green and pink. These clocks were manufactured in The Isle of Man.