These fascinating timepieces first appeared in the 17th century when French inventor, Nicholas Grollier de Seviere designed & constructed an inclined plane clock.
In 1808, Sir William Congreve invented & patented an 'Oscillating Path Rolling Ball Clock'.
As he was not a clock maker he commissioned London clockmaker's, Gravell & Tolkein, to produce his first working model, which was presented to the then Prince of Wales.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congreve_clock
Recently, I had the opportunity to help set up & regulate a model donated to The Coventry Watch Museum.
This model was made by a former engineer at Rolls Royce...
Still work in progress...
This video pinched off tinternet shows how these wonderful (IMO) timepieces operate...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GDNV-eYaKU
Hope some of you find this interesting.
Congreve's Rolling Ball Clock
- Amor Vincit Omnia
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Re: Congreve's Rolling Ball Clock
Wonderfully wacky and great fun. I have seen the British Museum model a few times.
Steve
Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
Linguist; retired teacher; pilgrim; apprentice travel writer
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. (Max Ehrmann)
- tempusmaximus
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