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Thomas Mercer Classis Clock
Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.108903
Object Type
Chronometer
Manufacturer
Thomas Mercer
(Founded 1858)
Intended Recipient
President Barack Obama
(American, 1961)
Maker
David Linley
(British)
Designer
Winch Design
(Founded 1986)
Medium
metal (brass, gold, stainless steel), wood (ebony, satinwood), glass (crystal), gemstone
DimensionsOverall H 15 in x Diam 16 1/2 in (38.1 cm x 41.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionChronometer in the shape of a large sailboat winch, with a round base, concave satinwood panels supporting a smaller circular timepiece. Gold plated casing, brass dial, crystal glass dome, and gold inlaid names of ships that made significant voyages. The clock has two map face complications with historic (1569) map engravings in silver. The facades of the timepiece memorializes historical ships that embarked upon significant voyages of discovery.
Inscriptions and MarkingsEngraved all around the base with ships and dates for each voyage, in chronological order: Santa Maria, 1492 /
Victoria, 1519 /
Golden Hind, 1577 /
Ark Raleigh, 1584 /
HMS Deptford, 1761 /
HMS Endeavour, 1768 /
HMS Resolution, 1772 /
HMS Investigator, 1801 /
HMS Beagle, 1831 /
HMS Erebus, 1845 /
HMS Discovery, 1901 /
Endurance, 1914
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of an official working visit to the White House by King Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud on September 4, 2015.Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional DetailsNational Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links
FO.09162011-14-1
