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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Escapement model

Model of Swiss lever escapement

Partially verified

This educational mock-up of a Swiss lever escapement is preserved in the Science Museum Group collection under object number 1984-633/1. Sourced from the United Kingdom and dated between 1950 and 1984, the unsigned mechanism measures 170 mm by 256 mm by 177 mm and weighs 7.8 kg. Fabricated from steel, brass, and other metals, the model displays an engine-turned upper plate supporting an escapement assembly that includes a large balance wheel with brass timing screws, a hairspring, a club-tooth escape wheel, and jeweled pallets, elevated on turned pillars above a brass base and driving spring barrel.

Elevated view of the model of a Swiss lever escapement showing the balance wheel, hairspring, escape wheel, and pillar-mounted frame
Elevated view of the model of a Swiss lever escapement showing the balance wheel, hairspring, escape wheel, and pillar-mounted frame — 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 · Escapement model
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
1984-633/1
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1950-1984
Country
United Kingdom

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

Identity and Provenance

In the Science Museum Group collection, this item is recorded under object number 1984-633/1 as a "mock-up and escapement" model representing a Swiss lever escapement. The catalogue lists it as unsigned, dated to 1950-1984, and originating from the United Kingdom.

The overall accession record (1984-633) encompasses both the escapement model and an associated clockwork winding key (1984-633/2). The source notes the credit line as Coxon, John R.

Evidence for this section
  • “Model of Swiss lever escapement, unsigned, United Kingdom, 1950-1984.”
  • “Object Number: 1984-633/1 type: mock-up and escapement”
  • “credit: Coxon, John R.”

Frame and Structural Construction

The model is recorded with overall dimensions of 170 mm by 256 mm by 177 mm and a weight of 7.8 kg. Documented materials consist of steel, brass, and unspecified metal.

Physical observation shows that the upper plate is decorated with perlage and secured with flush screws. This top plate is elevated above a rectangular brass base by four turned brass pillars.

Evidence for this section
  • “Measurements: overall: 170 mm x 256 mm x 177 mm, 7.8kg”
  • “Materials: steel (metal) , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and metal (unknown)”
  • “Perlage-patterned upper plate held with flush screws”
  • “Four turned brass pillars supporting the upper plate above a lower rectangular brass base”

Escapement and Driving Mechanism

Visual examination reveals the escapement assembly mounted upon the upper platform. It features a large brass balance rim fitted with adjustable timing screws around its periphery, operating with a flat spiral balance spring mounted beneath an upper balance cock.

The escapement includes a lever pallet fitted with a synthetic ruby jewel interacting with a club-tooth escape wheel. Drive for the mechanism is provided by a spring barrel with a toothed drive gear mounted underneath.

Evidence for this section
  • “Large brass balance rim fitted with adjustable timing screws around its periphery”
  • “Flat spiral balance spring mounted beneath an upper balance cock”
  • “Lever pallet fitted with synthetic ruby jewel interacting with a club-tooth escape wheel”
  • “Spring barrel with toothed drive gear mounted underneath the mechanism”

Open research questions

  • What role did John R. Coxon play in relation to the object (e.g., donor, collector, or maker)?
  • What are the specific gearing arrangements and tooth counts housed between the base and upper plate?
  • Was this model created for horological classroom demonstration, apprentice training, or retail display?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Model of Swiss lever escapement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object Number1984-633/1“Object Number: 1984-633/1”
Date1950-1984“1950-1984”
Country of originUnited Kingdom“United Kingdom”
Materialssteel (metal) , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and metal (unknown)“Materials: steel (metal) , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and metal (unknown)”
Measurementsoverall: 170 mm x 256 mm x 177 mm, 7.8kg“Measurements: overall: 170 mm x 256 mm x 177 mm, 7.8kg”
Maker markingunsigned“unsigned”
Credit LineCoxon, John R.“credit: Coxon, John R.”
Associated ComponentClockwork winding key (1984-633/2), brass, 11 mm x 80 mm, 0.1 kg“Clockwork winding key for model of Swiss lever escapement, 1950-1984. Measurements: overall: 11 mm 80 mm, .1kg Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) Object Number: 1984-633/2”

Visible details

  • Perlage-patterned upper plate held with flush screws
  • Large brass balance rim fitted with adjustable timing screws around its periphery
  • Flat spiral balance spring mounted beneath an upper balance cock
  • Lever pallet fitted with synthetic ruby jewel interacting with a club-tooth escape wheel
  • Four turned brass pillars supporting the upper plate above a lower rectangular brass base
  • Spring barrel with toothed drive gear mounted underneath the mechanism

Research qualifications

  • The clockwork winding key (catalogued under 1984-633/2) is part of accession 1984-633 but is not depicted in this view
  • Specific wheel train gearing between the barrel and escape wheel is largely obscured between the plates

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

Consulted source

Model of Swiss lever escapement | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 86ba3052f3

Terms in this record

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

Other escapement model records