On offer here is an interesting piece of Kitchenalia - a Clockwork Bottle Jack which would have been used when roasting a joint of meat in front of an open fire. The jack contains a clockwork spring mechanism and would have been wound with a key, now missing. The jack would have been attached to the mantelpiece on top of a dutch oven. The roast was suspended from underneath the bottle jack. As the spring unwound, the roast rotated and cooked evenly without need for constant attention. Prior to the invention of the clockwork bottle jack, jacks were powered by weights, fans catching strong chimney drafts and in some cases small dogs on treadmills!
This bottle jack is stamped on the bottom with 'Mather' and 'London Made' and probably dates from the mid to late 19th century. It measures approximately 17 inches in length, from top of hanger to bottom of hook, and weighs 1.53Kg. It has quite a few dents and scratches and a small split to the top edge of the upper tube, as shown in photo. I don't have a key so I haven't been able to test the clockwork mechanism.
A scarce item and a terrific addition to any Kitchenalia collection. Thanks for looking and please check out my other curious items.
UK customers: I accept cheques drawn on UK banks or postal orders. I accept PayPal.
The packaged jack weighs 1680g. Postage within the uk will be £6.42 by Royal Mail First Class Recorded delivery.
International customers: I accept Paypal
Postage to Europe will be £9.51 by Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail.
Postage to the USA will be £17.87 by Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail.
All other destinations please enquire.
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