Clock · Recoil escapement demonstration model

Model of recoil escapement of clock, with pendulum and stand

Partially verified

This object is a demonstration model of a clock recoil escapement held in the Science Museum Group Collection under object number 1883-54. Credited to the Royal College of Science, the model demonstrates an anchor recoil escapement mechanism constructed of brass and steel. The museum listing records associated parts including a pendulum with a hollow cylindrical bob and a wooden stand, while the primary mechanism features an escape wheel and anchor pallets mounted in a brass frame bearing the stamped inscription 'MECH. LAB'.

Front view of the recoil escapement clock demonstration model mounted on a blue support base — 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 · Recoil escapement demonstration model
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 1883-54
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 Origin

Catalogued under object number 1883-54 by the Science Museum Group, this demonstration apparatus represents an anchor escapement, clock mechanism and model. Institutional credit is attributed directly to the Royal College of Science. The primary model component is recorded in the museum catalogue as marked "Mech Lab 100".

Direct visual observation notes that the front central brass bracket is stamped with a crowned insignia above the inscription 'MECH. LAB'.

Evidence for this section

“Object Number: 1883-54”
“credit: Royal College of Science”
“marked "Mech Lab 100"”
“Front central brass bracket stamped with a crowned insignia above the inscription 'MECH. LAB'.”

Mechanical Configuration and Materials

The museum record specifies materials of brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal). Visually, the model displays brass plates and a gear train mounted on brass foot brackets atop a rectangular blue base.

Visible mechanical features include anchor pallets engaging a pointed-tooth recoil escape wheel behind the front mounting bracket. A prominent circular graduated dial ring is mounted to the front framing.

Evidence for this section

“Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal)”
“Brass plates and gear train mounted on brass foot brackets atop a rectangular blue base.”
“Anchor pallets engaging a pointed-tooth recoil escape wheel visible behind the front mounting bracket.”
“Prominent circular graduated dial ring mounted to the front framing.”

Collection Status and Associated Parts

The collection record divides the entry into multiple part records: "Model, recoil escapement of clock with pendulum" (Object Number: 1883-54 Pt1), "Wooden stand for model of recoil escapement of clock" (Object Number: 1883-54 Pt2), and "Pendulum for model of recoil escapement of clock" (Object Number: 1883-54 Pt3), described with a hollow cylindrical bob.

The provided photograph depicts the brass movement assembly on a blue base; the wooden stand and the pendulum are not depicted in this view.

Evidence for this section

“Model, recoil escapement of clock with pendulum Model of recoil escapement of clock, having a hollow cylindrical bob, marked "Mech Lab 100" Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal) Object Number: 1883-54 Pt1”
“Wooden stand for model of recoil escapement of clock Stand for Model of clock recoil escapement Wooden stand for model of recoil escapement of clock Object Number: 1883-54 Pt2 type: stand - support furniture”
“Pendulum for model of recoil escapement of clock Pendulum for model of recoil escapement of clock Pendulum for model of recoil escapement of clock Object Number: 1883-54 Pt3 type: pendulums”

Open research questions

Where is the numeral '100' located on the mechanism or associated components to complete the recorded 'Mech Lab 100' inscription?
How does the model mount to the separate wooden stand (Pt2), and is the rectangular blue base a permanent mount or a temporary photography stand?
What are the specific dimensions and suspension arrangement of the accessioned hollow cylindrical bob pendulum (Pt3)?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Model of recoil escapement of clock, with pendulum and stand
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Object Number	1883-54	“Object Number: 1883-54”
Type	anchor escapement , clock mechanism and model	“type: anchor escapement , clock mechanism and model”
Credit	Royal College of Science	“credit: Royal College of Science”
Marking	Mech Lab 100	“marked "Mech Lab 100"”
Materials	brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal)	“Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) and steel (metal)”
Museum Category	Time Measurement	“Category: Time Measurement”
Type Classification	anchor escapement , clock mechanism and model	“type: anchor escapement , clock mechanism and model”

Visible details

Brass plates and gear train mounted on brass foot brackets atop a rectangular blue base.
Prominent circular graduated dial ring mounted to the front framing.
Anchor pallets engaging a pointed-tooth recoil escape wheel visible behind the front mounting bracket.
Front central brass bracket stamped with a crowned insignia above the inscription 'MECH. LAB'.

Research qualifications

The source record divides the complete accession into parts including a wooden stand (Pt2) and a pendulum with a hollow cylindrical bob (Pt3), neither of which is present in this photograph.
No specific date of manufacture or individual craftsman is provided by the museum record.

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

Consulted source

Model of recoil escapement of clock, with pendulum and stand | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 9698853fca

Terms in this record

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