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Lot Essay
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
Charles K. Aked, Electrifying Time, catalogue of an exhibition held at the Science Museum, 15 December 1976 - 11 April 1977, A.H.S., Ticehurst, 1976
The present clock appears to be a variation of Ritchie's sympathetic electric pendulum patented in 1872. The motion of an electrically maintained pendulum is used to drive the motion work of a clock. Currents are sent from a master clock to the sympathetic pendulum to keep it in absolute synchronism. The pendulum itself lifts the two gravity arms in turn to allow an impulse to the ratchet wheel as they turn to the lower level. The lowest arm serves to lock the ratchet wheel to prevent reverse rotation.
The ER plate in the case indicates that it was probably a master clock made for the Post office or some other public use.
Charles K. Aked, Electrifying Time, catalogue of an exhibition held at the Science Museum, 15 December 1976 - 11 April 1977, A.H.S., Ticehurst, 1976
The present clock appears to be a variation of Ritchie's sympathetic electric pendulum patented in 1872. The motion of an electrically maintained pendulum is used to drive the motion work of a clock. Currents are sent from a master clock to the sympathetic pendulum to keep it in absolute synchronism. The pendulum itself lifts the two gravity arms in turn to allow an impulse to the ratchet wheel as they turn to the lower level. The lowest arm serves to lock the ratchet wheel to prevent reverse rotation.
The ER plate in the case indicates that it was probably a master clock made for the Post office or some other public use.