Antique Bradley & Hubbard 'John Bull' Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1887

Bradley & Hubbard ‘John Bull’ Blinking Eye Clock – Pat. 1857 A late 19th century American cast iron novelty mantel clock by Bradley & Hubbard of Meriden, Connecticut. The figure of John Bull is shown in Victorian dress, wearing a frock coat and top hat, and holding a circular clock dial. The white enamelled dial has Roman numerals and blued steel hands within a brass bezel. The figure’s eyes are designed to move side-to-side in rhythm with the escapement – the distinctive “blinking eye” feature. The underside of the base is cast with the maker’s name and the U.S. patent date of June 18, 1857, relating to the design registration rather than the exact date of manufacture. The original movement is present together with the eye mechanism, though not currently in working order. The painted surface shows wear and rubbing but retains decorative appeal. The cast iron case is structurally sound. Bradley & Hubbard, Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1875–1890 Cast iron figural case with enamel dial and brass bezel Blinking eye mechanism intact Original movement present but not running Patent date cast to underside Height: approx. 38 cm; Width: 20 cm; Depth: 12 cm