iron (hooks; key; hardware; clockwork parts material)
steel (spring and other clockwork parts material)
Measurements:
overall: 4 3/4 in x 4 13/16 in x 13 3/4 in; 12.065 cm x 12.22375 cm x 34.925 cm
Object Name:
jack, bottle
jack, roasting
Place made:
United Kingdom: England, London
Place sold:
United Kingdom: England, London
Place used:
United States: Middle Atlantic
Date made:
1850-1880
Description:
Clockwork roasting jack or spit engine consisting of a tall, slender cylindrical shaft with astragal-arched hanging loop mounted on top of a larger cylinder containing a spring-powered mechanism that winds up with the attached key; turning tip with small suspension hook extends through opening in the flat hexagonal base plate and rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise for even roasting. Open circular keyhole on front above an oval embossed nameplate for "W. S. BURTON (arched) / GENERAL / FURNISHING / IRONMONGER / 39 OXFORD S\T". Missing cast iron spit wheel that hangs from suspension hook.
William S. Burton was both a manufacturer and retailer of iron and brass bedsteads, lamps, baths, etc.; he operated his showrooms at 39 (then 88) Oxford Street from c. 1847 until the 1880s. Not known if he made this particular jack or was just the seller (see 1982.0090.02 for a nearly identical model patented by John Linwood of Sheffield, England).