A GOSSAGE'S PATENT SHEFFIELD PLATE CLOCKWORK ALARM

A GOSSAGE'S PATENT SHEFFIELD PLATE CLOCKWORK ALARM, C1`825 the clockwork mechanism to the underside of the lid with enamel dial, applied embossed royal arms badge inscribed W GOSSAGE PATENT, the iron bell contained in the base, 7.5cm diam, base stamped 239A rare example of the ingenious 'Portable Alarum' that could be attached to clocks and watches invented by William Gossage (1799-1877) on which he took out a patent in 1824. Its original purpose was to wake his French tutor earlier in the morning than had been his custom. The archetypal Victorian self made man, Gossage established the famous soap making business in Widnes which bore his name.