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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Escapement demonstration model

Dead-beat escapement model (full size) with wooden stand

Partially verified

This full-size dead-beat escapement demonstration model is preserved in the Science Museum Group Collection under object number 1883-64, credited to the Royal College of Science. The apparatus is catalogued as a clock mechanism and model with a wooden stand. The assembly features a brass plate supporting a geared mechanism, weight cord drum, toothed escape wheel, and pallet arbor, set behind a circular graduated ring scale. The unit rests on an elevated rectangular base.

Dead-beat escapement full-size model mounted on a rectangular plinth
Dead-beat escapement full-size model mounted on a rectangular plinth — The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Clock · Escapement demonstration model
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1883-64
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Classification and Museum History

This full-size demonstration apparatus is catalogued within the Science Museum Group Collection under object number 1883-64, within the Time Measurement category. The museum record lists the object type as a deadbeat escapement, clock mechanism and model, with credit recorded to the Royal College of Science.

The entry catalogues two component parts: part 1883-64 Pt1 ('Model, dead-beat escapement (full size)') and part 1883-64 Pt2 ('Wooden stand for dead-beat escapement model (full size). marked "S & A D Mech Lab. 359"'). Neither an individual maker nor a specific year of manufacture is recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Category: Time Measurement”
  • “Object Number: 1883-64”
  • “type: deadbeat escapement , clock mechanism and model”
  • “credit: Royal College of Science”
  • “Model, dead-beat escapement (full size) Dead-beat escapement model (full size). Object Number: 1883-64 Pt1”
  • “Wooden stand for dead-beat escapement model (full size). marked "S & A D Mech Lab. 359" Object Number: 1883-64 Pt2”

Mechanical Construction and Scale Assembly

Direct visual observation shows a brass toothed escape wheel engaging with an anchor dead-beat pallet frame. A cord drum mechanism with cord wound around it is mounted centrally between the plates.

The front face of the assembly is encircled by a circular silvered scale ring graduated with degree or division markings.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass toothed escape wheel is visible engaging with an anchor dead-beat pallet frame.”
  • “A cord drum mechanism with cord wound around it is centrally mounted between the plates.”
  • “Circular silvered scale ring graduated with degree or division markings encircles the front face.”

Support Base and Physical Markings

The catalogue records the stand material as wood, and documents part 1883-64 Pt2 as 'Wooden stand for dead-beat escapement model (full size). marked "S & A D Mech Lab. 359"'.

Visual observation records that the brass framework is secured to a blue rectangular plinth stand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Materials: stand: wood”
  • “Wooden stand for dead-beat escapement model (full size). marked "S & A D Mech Lab. 359"”
  • “The brass framework is secured to a blue rectangular plinth stand.”

Open research questions

  • What specific inventory or department register corresponds to the marking 'S & A D Mech Lab. 359' recorded on the stand?
  • Does collection documentation clarify whether the blue rectangular stand visible in photographs is painted wood matching the catalogued wooden stand 1883-64 Pt2?
  • Are any maker marks, workshop stamps, or dates present on the unexposed faces of the brass plates or mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Dead-beat escapement model (full size) with wooden stand
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object Number1883-64“Object Number: 1883-64”
Materialsstand: wood“Materials: stand: wood”
Typedeadbeat escapement, clock mechanism and model“type: deadbeat escapement , clock mechanism and model”
CreditRoyal College of Science“credit: Royal College of Science”
Part 1 Object Number1883-64 Pt1“Object Number: 1883-64 Pt1”
Part 2 Object Number1883-64 Pt2“Object Number: 1883-64 Pt2”
Stand InscriptionS & A D Mech Lab. 359“marked "S & A D Mech Lab. 359"”

Visible details

  • Circular silvered scale ring graduated with degree or division markings encircles the front face.
  • Brass toothed escape wheel is visible engaging with an anchor dead-beat pallet frame.
  • A cord drum mechanism with cord wound around it is centrally mounted between the plates.
  • The brass framework is secured to a blue rectangular plinth stand.

Research qualifications

  • The catalogue identifies the stand material as wood and notes part 1883-64 Pt2 marked 'S & A D Mech Lab. 359', though the visible stand surface is blue.
  • No specific maker or precise date of manufacture is recorded in the collection source.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Dead-beat escapement model (full size) with wooden stand | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f80cca5ff0

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.