Ship Clock at British Museum cropped

c. 1585. Mechanical medieval galleon intended to announce banquets at court. The entertainment began with music from a miniature organ in the hull, drumming and a procession. Afterward the ship would travel across the table. When it stopped the front cannon would fire. The figure on the throne is the Holy Roman Emperor. A procession of seven Electors (princes) pass before him during the music, preceded by three heralds. At the base of the main mast a small clock shows the time. Sailors in the crow's nest use hammers to strike hours and quarters. By Hans Schlottheim, Augsburg, Germany. [the licence on this image allows for commercial use. For such uses, however, permission from the British Museum would also be required - See the talk page of Hoxne Hoard on Wikipedia!]