The MOD's horological collection is extremely important. It falls into two main parts:the maritime clocks and chronometers-many having specialised functions - and the longcase and bracket clocks in many offices, residencies and meeting rooms, several of which have been in roughly the same place for a nearly a hundred years and some for much longer.
Most of the specialised marine regulators, chronometers and clocks are on long term loan to the Royal Observartory at Greenwich and to various other public collections, where access to the general public and to the specialised researcher is easily achieved.
Tavern clocks were so called because of their easily legible dials. In the late 1790's the Government, anxious to increase revenue, levied a tax on the ownership of clocks. In order to alleviate the unpopularity of the tax, certain clocks were nominated for public access. This example, the Admiralty's clock, hung in Whitehall for public consultation. It remains in this location today.
The clock has a large black circular dial with gilt hands and gilt Roman numerals/seconds. The dial is enclosed by a glass hinged bezel with wooden surround. Ebonised/ lacquered oak case with door to the front, for access to the interior. Heavily detailed decorative patterns and floral lozenges above and below a coat of arms. There are also small pocket doors to each side of the dial and is weight driven with an eight day movement.