Glossary · Mechanism
Lantern pinion
A pinion built from parallel steel pins (trundles) held between two end plates rather than cut from solid steel.
Explanation
A lantern pinion is built from parallel steel pins (trundles) held between two end plates, like a tiny lantern, instead of being cut from solid. Common in clocks and older watches, it is cheap to make and tolerant of dust, but wears faster and runs less smoothly than a solid cut pinion. Worn trundles can sometimes be replaced individually.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Lantern pinion”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Clock
Forged iron quarter-striking turret clock movement with verge pendulum regulation
“According to the auction catalogue, this unsigned English turret clock movement dates to circa 1660–1670 and is constructed from forged wrought iron with end-to-end wheel trains…”
Movement
Dent Demonstration Model of the Earnshaw Chronometer Escapement
“This circa 1880 demonstration model of an Earnshaw chronometer escapement was produced in London by Dent. Intended for display purposes, it was formerly held in the premises of …”