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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Mercury compensated pendulum model

Wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum

Partially verified

According to the Science Museum Group, this wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum was made in London in 1829 by instrument makers Watkins & Hill. The record notes that the item was sold by Watkins and Hill in 1829 for one pound and six shillings, and classifies it within science teaching. The assembly comprises an elongated rod terminating at one end near a paper inventory tag, connecting at the opposite end to a stirrup frame that supports a cylindrical container representing a mercury vessel, complete with a pointed downward pointer at its base.

Wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum by Watkins & Hill, 1829
Wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum by Watkins & Hill, 1829 — Science Museum Group. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Component · Mercury compensated pendulum model
Maker / attribution
Watkins & Hill
Reference
1983-462
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1829
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

Object Identity and Provenance

Catalogued under object number 1983-462 by the Science Museum Group, this item is titled as a 'Wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum'. The museum record attributes its production to maker Watkins & Hill in London in 1829, adding that it was sold by the firm in that year for '#1-6/ -.' (£1 6s).

The museum classifies the object under 'Science Teaching' and records the credit as 'University College London, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy', while formal technical details regarding its classroom use are not expanded upon in the catalogue description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum Made: 1829 in London maker: Watkins & Hill”
  • “Wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum sold by Watkins and Hill in 1829 for #1-6/ -.”
  • “Category: Science Teaching Object Number: 1983-462 type: model credit: University College London, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy”

Visual Observations

Visual documentation shows an elongated rod structure photographed horizontally against a plain white background. Attached near the upper end of the rod is a paper tag bearing inventory markings.

At the opposite lower end, the rod terminates in a frame holding a cylindrical tube representing a pendulum bob assembly. A pointed indicator tip projects from the bottom platform beneath this cylinder.

Evidence for this section
  • “Elongated rod structure shown horizontally against a white studio background”
  • “Paper label tag tied to the upper end of the rod bearing object number markings”
  • “Lower end consists of a frame holding a cylindrical tube representing the pendulum bob assembly”
  • “Pointed indicator tip extending from the bottom platform below the cylinder”

Documentation and Research Limitations

The museum documentation designates the piece as type 'model' and describes it as wooden, but does not specify individual materials, wood species, or whether metal hardware is present in the frame or fittings.

Physical dimensions, weight, and internal construction—such as whether the cylindrical bob is solid or hollow—are not recorded in the available source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum”
  • “type: model”

Open research questions

  • What are the physical dimensions (total length, rod diameter, and bob dimensions) of model 1983-462?
  • What specific woods and auxiliary materials are used in the rod, stirrup frame, and cylinder?
  • Is the cylindrical container solid or hollow, and does it retain any internal markings or liquid residue?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWatkins & Hill“maker: Watkins & Hill”
Made1829 in London“Made: 1829 in London”
Object Number1983-462“Object Number: 1983-462”
Typemodel“type: model”
CategoryScience Teaching“Category: Science Teaching”
CreditUniversity College London, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy“credit: University College London, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy”
Original Sale Price£1 6s (#1-6/ -)“sold by Watkins and Hill in 1829 for #1-6/ -.”

Visible details

  • Elongated rod structure shown horizontally against a white studio background
  • Paper label tag tied to the upper end of the rod bearing object number markings
  • Lower end consists of a frame holding a cylindrical tube representing the pendulum bob assembly
  • Pointed indicator tip extending from the bottom platform below the cylinder

Research qualifications

  • Described as a model rather than a functional clock mechanism
  • Specific materials and dimensions are not detailed in the source documentation

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

Consulted source

Wooden model of a mercury compensated pendulum | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record c68df7d87f

Terms in this record

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