Sunday 12 October 2014

What can't we deal with IV?

Noticed this clock in the house we were staying in at Halls Gap

I wonder why the Roman 4 is incorrect?  Nine is OK.  Strange.


You can find more close up style shots at Macro Monday2 and I Heart Monday.

28 comments:

  1. That is odd! Have a great day!

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  2. Interesting to read the various arguments put forward for the variation. I think the strongest argument, though, is that it takes time for standards to become fixed.

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  3. I have 2 clocks with Roman Numerals and they are the same way. Strange!

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  4. Very strange. I wonder if they did it to balance with the VIII on the other side - so for aesthetics? Beautiful clock face despite that.

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  5. that made me laugh! great observation!

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  6. That is a first run of the clock from the assembly line. The mistake was not noticed right away. This is a collector's item. Should fetch a high price on eBay.

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  7. A great observation indeed, Stewart!! How strange is that!! Great shot for the day!!

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  8. Hi Stewart, the nine is indeed very strange.
    Well noted.
    Best regards, Irma

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  9. I feel it is the artistic license to blame so that it balances the eight.

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  10. There are lots of theories as to why but no certain answer.

    http://www.ubr.com/clocks/frequently-asked-questions-faq/faq-roman-iiii-vs-iv-on-clock-dials.aspx

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  11. Beautiful clock. I actually remember arguing with a teacher about the Roman Numeral for four. Because the clock on our mantelpiece at home said IIII. She wasn't buying it and of course nuns are always right. (Guess I passed fourth grade anyway, because 'I survived Catholic school.")

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  12. Beautiful clock...strange that the numeral for 4 is incorrect!

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  13. Maybe they wanted to balance it out? It is a very pretty clock though.

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  14. Quite a beautiful and intriguing clock, the IIII error notwithstanding :)

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  15. Beautifull clock,greeting from Belgium.
    http://louisette.eklablog.com/nuit-de-l-obscurite-mons-a112810380

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  16. Ha ha - wonderfully quirky clock.

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  17. Interesting bit of clock info. The clock face is really pretty.

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  18. Interesting bit of clock info. The clock face is really pretty.

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  19. Well, that is bizarre! Never seen that before.

    Iowa Voice

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  20. Wonderful observation, the desinger forgot his latin lessons or it is a Monday morning product :-).

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  21. Strange. All the clocks I've seen have had IV for 4. Cool find.

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  22. That's very strange. Maybe a typo :-)...I bet it's a one of a kind!

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  23. That is odd! I've seen a few clocks like this and wondered how/why they can possibly get it wrong?

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  24. Great observation, still quite a lovely old clock Stewart. Thanks for sharing the love up-close with I Heart Macro:-)

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