Clock with Bust of Washington and Relief of Cornwallis Resigning his Sword to Washington 1810 - 1820

This clock, crafted by Armingaud L’Ainé, features a bronze bust of George Washington and a relief depicting Cornwallis surrendering his sword. The sword, a symbol of power and authority, embodies the pivotal moment when British forces yielded to American resolve. Consider how the motif of surrendering a sword is charged with symbolic weight that stretches back through history, from ancient rituals of submission to medieval gestures of fealty. In ancient Rome, the act of surrendering arms was an admission of defeat. Similarly, in the feudal era, the surrender of a sword signified vassalage. The scene on this clock echoes these historical precedents, yet it is imbued with a new significance, capturing the birth of a nation. This seemingly simple act of handing over a weapon is loaded with psychological impact: the humiliation of defeat and the triumph of victory, powerful emotions that resonate across generations. The symbolic language continues to evolve, as power dynamics shift, but the underlying gesture of surrender remains, a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of history.