astronomical regulator
Date: 1844
Inventory Number: 2501
Classification: Clock
Subject:
Maker: Benjamin Franklin Willard (1803 - 1847)
Owner: Frank Gair Macomber (fl. 1877 - 1924)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
Overall: 199 x 29.5 x 53 cm, 165.3 lb. (78 3/8 x 11 5/8 x 20 7/8 in., 75 kg)
Overall - Storage: 199 x 29.5 x 53 cm (78 3/8 x 11 5/8 x 20 7/8 in.)
DescriptionThis astronomical regulator, according to John Ware Willard, "was one of the finest of its kind ever made. Every hole was jewelled with first-class sapphires, except the main arbor which had hardened steel. This jewelling was very costly. The plates were cast brass, very heavy, and the pillars massive. The pinions and all the steel work were miracles of polish and the finish of the whole clock was wonderful. [It had] a very ingenious contrivance for lowering the pendulum by which by loosening a screw the pendulum rested on a massive support and allowed the movement to be taken away without trouble. The pendulum was mercurial, the mercury weighing fifty-six pounds. The movement was covered with a brass frame holding a plate glass whereby the back and sides could be seen from the outside. The mahogany cas was also provided with plate glass windows. This mahogany case, a very fine one, was made specially to order by Charles C. Crehore."
In other words, the clock has a temperature-compensated mercury pendulum, Harrison's maintaining power, and a dead beat escapement with sapphire-jewelled pallets. The silvered regulator dial has blued steel hands. The highly polished circular winding key has a pinned winding arbor. A brass-and-glass dust cover fits tightly over the movement and is locked in place with burled screws. There is an adjustable beat scale. The clock has an 8-day duration.
[Please see the captions to the photographs of the clock movement and related parts for further details.]
In other words, the clock has a temperature-compensated mercury pendulum, Harrison's maintaining power, and a dead beat escapement with sapphire-jewelled pallets. The silvered regulator dial has blued steel hands. The highly polished circular winding key has a pinned winding arbor. A brass-and-glass dust cover fits tightly over the movement and is locked in place with burled screws. There is an adjustable beat scale. The clock has an 8-day duration.
[Please see the captions to the photographs of the clock movement and related parts for further details.]
In Collection(s)
SignedEngraved on the dial: B. F. Willard, Boston.
Historical AttributesThis astronomical regulator was recognized in its day as an exceptional instrument, earning Benjamin Franklin Willard a Gold Medal from the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association.
Curatorial RemarksTechnical description provided by Richard Ketchen, horologist, June 2009.
ProvenanceFrank Gair Macomber Inc. Insurance, 22 Batterymarch St., Boston, MA; David P. Wheatland, 1970.
Published ReferencesJohn Ware Willard, Simon Willard and His Clocks (New York: Dover Publications, 1968), plate 25.