Component · Anchor escapement model

Model of anchor escapement

Partially verified

This object is a demonstration model of an anchor escapement as used in bracket clocks, preserved in the Science Museum Group collection under object number 1952-344. Constructed from upright brass plates separated by cylindrical pillars, the freestanding unit mounts an anchor escapement and crutch assembly. The front plate features engraved cursive script reading Hobson Bros. The museum records note its exhibition history as 'Ex. B.C.H. Exhibition, No.14' and credit acquisition to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hobson.

Three-quarter perspective view of the brass anchor escapement demonstration model — Science Museum Group © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category: Component · Anchor escapement model
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: 1952-344
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
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 Identity and Exhibition Context

The object is documented in the Science Museum Group collection under object number 1952-344 with the title description 'Model of anchor escapement as used in bracket clocks. (Ex. B.C.H. Exhibition, No.14)'. It is catalogued under the category Time Measurement and classified under the type 'anchor escapement and model'. Credit for the acquisition is attributed to 'Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hobson'.

The title includes the note 'Ex. B.C.H. Exhibition, No.14', indicating previous display or numbering in an exhibition context, though specific details regarding the B.C.H. Exhibition are not detailed in the online record.

Evidence for this section

“Model of anchor escapement as used in bracket clocks. (Ex. B.C.H. Exhibition, No.14)”
“Object Number: 1952-344”
“Category: Time Measurement”
“type: anchor escapement and model”
“credit: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hobson”

Physical Structure and Mechanism Mounting

Physical observation shows a freestanding brass model constructed of two rectangular plates joined by round pillars. A suspension bridge bracket is affixed to the upper section of the front plate with two blued or polished steel screws.

A centrally suspended crutch featuring a projecting pin extends through the top cutout of the plate. Behind the upper crutch assembly between the plates, teeth of an escape wheel are visible.

Evidence for this section

“Freestanding brass model composed of two rectangular plates joined by round pillars.”
“Suspension bridge bracket affixed to the top of the front plate with two blued or polished steel screws.”
“Centrally suspended crutch with projecting pin positioned through the top cutout.”
“Escape wheel teeth visible between the plates behind the upper assembly.”

Inscriptions and Documented Metadata

Visual inspection reveals engraved script on the front plate reading 'Hobson Bros' above a second line of text. The source metadata does not provide a formal maker or place-of-origin entry.

The museum record lists the materials field as 'timer , regulating , wedge , bracket clocks and reproduction'. Exact physical dimensions, tooth counts, gear train layout, and date of manufacture are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section

“Engraved script visible on the front plate reading 'Hobson Bros' above a second line.”
“Materials: timer , regulating , wedge , bracket clocks and reproduction”

Open research questions

What organization or event is represented by the abbreviation 'B.C.H. Exhibition'?
What is the complete text of the second line of engraved script appearing below 'Hobson Bros' on the front plate?
Does museum archival documentation clarify whether 'Hobson Bros' constructed the model or if it represents a firm involved in the exhibition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Model of anchor escapement
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Object Number	1952-344	“Object Number: 1952-344”
Model Application	Anchor escapement as used in bracket clocks (Ex. B.C.H. Exhibition, No.14)	“Model of anchor escapement as used in bracket clocks. (Ex. B.C.H. Exhibition, No.14)”
Credit	Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hobson	“credit: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hobson”
Museum Category	Time Measurement	“Category: Time Measurement”
Type Classification	anchor escapement and model	“type: anchor escapement and model”
Catalogued Materials String	timer , regulating , wedge , bracket clocks and reproduction	“Materials: timer , regulating , wedge , bracket clocks and reproduction”

Visible details

Freestanding brass model composed of two rectangular plates joined by round pillars.
Suspension bridge bracket affixed to the top of the front plate with two blued or polished steel screws.
Centrally suspended crutch with projecting pin positioned through the top cutout.
Escape wheel teeth visible between the plates behind the upper assembly.
Engraved script visible on the front plate reading 'Hobson Bros' above a second line.

Research qualifications

Date and country of manufacture are not stated in the source text.
Maker attribution is not formally specified in the museum metadata field, although 'Hobson Bros' is engraved on the plate.

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

Consulted source

Model of anchor escapement | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record ecd27e9057

Terms in this record

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