Circa 1900 Cast Aluminum " Big Ben " Hanging Thermometer London Clock For Sale

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Circa 1900 Cast Aluminum "Big Ben" Hanging Thermometer!
This is actually a very interesting, intriguing piece. With its form and proud labeling of "Big Ben, London", it most likely is a souvenir piece created for tourist desiring to bring back souvenirs from their travels. Being Big Ben, it must be a souvenir of London. Continued inspection (whispering) establishes that both the aluminum casting of Big Ben and the thermometer are marked "Foreign." The requirement for foreign country labeling dates back to the 1880's in Europe and was mostly directed towards the goods that were originating in Germany. The UK was one of the first to enact requirements with passage of the "Merchandise Marks Act of 1887". This act initially required the products that were being imported into the country to be marked "Foreign" which would imply that the goods were of inferior quality and their purchase would support the politics of the country that they originated from. The well crafted German responce, who were mainly the target of country of origin marking requirements, was to successfully build the reputation of Made in Germany products to being superior in quality and workmanship.The implications of all of this would date this piece to just before or after 1900. Most likely it is German in origin considering its workmanship and materials. This was the early days of Aluminum when it was a desirable material and relatively expensive. Big Ben is approximately 2¼" wide x 8¾" tall. Both the casting and the thermometer are marked "Foreign. It is in very good condition. Please see the pictures for its overall quality in detail.
A Spectacular Circa 1900 Cast Aluminum "Big Ben" Hanging Thermometer!