Pendulum Clock Replica
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1959
This object is a replica of a pendulum clock design attributed to Galileo Galilei. The original design concept originated shortly before the death of Galileo in 1642, with subsequent construction attempts historically associated with his son, Vincenzio, in 1649.
The replica was commissioned in 1959 and constructed by A. E. Coke in Scoresby, Victoria. The model is based on historical drawings produced after Galileo's death and on models constructed during the 19th century. The clock is defined by its exposed mechanism, which is mounted between two vertical brass plates. It features a mainspring contained within a brass drum that powers a large cog wheel to drive the gear train.
The timekeeping mechanism utilizes a pendulum connected to an escapement system, described as having a combination of verge and anchor components, intended to control the rate of the clock.
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
- Type
- Pendulum clock
- Maker
- A. E. Coke
- Designer
- Galileo Galilei
- Dimensions
- 15 cm x 7 cm x 34 cm
- Place recorded
- Australia
- Construction date
- 1959
- Maker / attribution
- A. E. Coke
- Mechanism materials
- Brass
- Registration number
- ST 29858
Design
- Visible features
- • Vertical brass plate frame construction • Exposed mainspring in a brass drum • Pendulum with a dark, weighted bob • Support base with curved, decorative feet
- Design Provenance
- The object functions as a replica based on the design concepts attributed to Galileo Galilei. These designs were produced shortly before his death in 1642. Historical records associated with the design suggest that his son, Vincenzio, attempted to construct the mechanism in 1649. The current replica is based on archival drawings that were generated following the death of Galileo, as well as 19th-century models that attempted to interpret the original specifications. The commission for this specific physical model was fulfilled in 1959 by A. E. Coke in Victoria, Australia.
- Historical Context
- The design represents an early attempt at utilizing a pendulum to regulate timekeeping accuracy. Galileo utilized a pendulum for his own astronomical observations, which preceded the development of practical pendulum clocks in the mid-17th century. The development of the first practical pendulum clock is credited to Christiaan Huygens in 1657, placing the original Galileo concept as a precursor to these later advancements in horological technology.
- Mechanical Construction
- The clock is constructed as an open framework with the mechanical components mounted between two parallel vertical brass strips. The power source consists of a mainspring housed within a brass drum, which drives the primary cog wheel of the gear train. The regulation of the movement is achieved through a pendulum system. This pendulum is linked to the gear train via a specific escapement assembly. According to the descriptive records provided for this item, this escapement incorporates features of both a verge and an anchor mechanism.
Identification
- 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: Exact historical accuracy of the original Galileo drawings referenced is not specified
- Research required: The escapement is described as a hybrid of verge and anchor, which may not represent any single historical standard