Model of Swiss lever escapement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1950-1984
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.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1950-1984
- Type
- Escapement model
- Materials
- steel (metal) , brass (copper, zinc alloy) and metal (unknown)
- Measurements
- overall: 170 mm x 256 mm x 177 mm, 7.8kg
- Maker marking
- unsigned
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Country of origin
- United Kingdom
Design
- Visible features
- • 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Identification
- Reference
- 1984-633/1
- Object Number
- 1984-633/1
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The clockwork winding key (catalogued under 1984-633/2) is part of accession 1984-633 but is not depicted in this view
- Research required: Specific wheel train gearing between the barrel and escape wheel is largely obscured between the plates