Time Globe, c. 1880
Juvet & Company
Canajoharie, New York
A time globe is exactly that: a globe that tells time. A brass movement inside the 18" globe operates the clock and also makes the globe spin. It completes a 360° rotation once every twenty-four hours, imitating the rotation of the Earth. The clock winds by turning the feather end of the arrow at the South Pole, and the time can be read at the dial above the North Pole. Hour and minute markings on the equator ring and a compass in the stand below help give the correct time for any location on Earth. The information on the globe itself reflects the time in which it was made, with many countries having different names and borders, or not existing at all.
While several clockmakers manufactured time globes, this particular example was made by a man who specialized in them, and who was instrumental in their development. Louis P. Juvet (1838-1930) came from his birthplace of Switzerland to New York in 1864. He soon began receiving patents for his work in time globes. Around 1878 he formed Juvet & Company with James Arkell and A.G. Richmond, and they started manufacturing time globes in Canajoharie, NY. Unfortunately, their business did not last long, because a fire destroyed their factory in 1886. As a result, Juvet time globes are very rare.
Purchased with the Museum Acquisition Fund
And Funds Contributed by NAWCC Chapters
Image by Tim Schoon Photography