The history of automatons, or self-operating machines, dates back to ancient times. One of the earliest known examples of an automaton is the mythical figure of Pygmalion's statue, which was said to have been brought to life by the Greek god Zeus. In the ancient world, automatons were also used as tools for entertainment, with examples such as the hydraulic singing birds of ancient Rome and the mechanical puppets of ancient China.

In the Middle Ages, automatons were used in clock towers and other public places to mark the passing of time and to entertain the public. Some more...

Vitascope clocks were made invented in the Isle of Man in 1941 by J. S Thatcher, improved by Joseph Summerskill between 1944 and 1944, and manufactured from the late 1940s by Vitascope Industries Limited, based in the Isle of Man. The electrically powered clocks included automata that caused the ship to gently rock in the waves, and the backlighting changes to indicate the changing time of the day, and the sea is lit for both sunset and sunrise. According to the Isle of Man company records, Vitascope Industries Limited was dissolved in 1968.

9 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A Vitascope dioramic electric clock, c.1930s, with a brown…

Bakelite Vitascope Clock with Ship Automata

A Vitascope dioramic electric clock, c.1930s, with a brown Bakelite case set with a chrome chapter ring below a ship automata with a rocking machine and light simulating sunrise and sunset. Height 32.5 cm.

A Vitascope dioramic electric clock, c.1930s, with a brown…

1930s Vitascope Dioramic Electric Clock with Ship Automata

A Vitascope dioramic electric clock, c.1930s, with a brown Bakelite case set with a chrome chapter ring below a ship automata with a rocking machine and light simulating sunrise and sunset. Requires minute hand, height 32.5 cm.

Art Deco Vitascope cream Bakelite electric automaton mantel…

Art Deco Ship Automaton Mantel Clock

Art Deco Vitascope cream Bakelite electric automaton mantel clock with moving ship mechanism, circa 1930s, 33 cm high

A stylish cream Bakelite Vitascope Dioramic electric clock,…

Cream Bakelite Vitascope Dioramic Electric Clock with Sailing Ship

A stylish cream Bakelite Vitascope Dioramic electric clock, chrome plated chapter ring with pierced numerals and hands. Diorama of sailing ship on the sea (with instruction sheet). Height 32 cm

A Vitascope dioramic electric clock, with a cream bakelite case…

Vitascope Ship Diorama Clock

A Vitascope dioramic electric clock, with a cream bakelite case set with a chrome chapter ring and hands below a ship automata with a rocking machine and light simulating sunrise and sunset. Height 32 cm

Art Deco Vitascope electric clock in bakelite case, rocking…

Art Deco Vitascope Electric Clock with Rocking Ship

Art Deco Vitascope electric clock in bakelite case, rocking ship and colour changing ship, in working order, 32 cm high

Vitascope mechanical ship clock, 34 cm high

Vitascope Ship Clock - 34 cm Mechanical Marvel

Vitascope mechanical ship clock, 34 cm high

A brown Bakelite Vitascope 'Isle of man' clock with ship…

Isle of Man Ship Diorama Clock

A brown Bakelite Vitascope 'Isle of man' clock with ship diorama. Height 33 cm

A Vitascope dioramic electric clock, with cream Bakelite case…

Vitascope Sunrise Ship Clock

A Vitascope dioramic electric clock, with cream Bakelite case set with a chrome chapter ring and hands below a ship automata with a rocking motion and light simulating sunrise and sunset. Height 32 cm. Small chip left back corner