astronomical regulator, no. 65
Date: 1902
Inventory Number: 1998-1-0190a
Classification: Clock
Subject:
Maker: Sigmund Riefler (1847 - 1912)
User: Harvard College Observatory (founded 1839)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
Overall: 137 x 37 x 37 cm, 330.7 lb. (53 15/16 x 14 9/16 x 14 9/16 in., 150 kg)
Overall - Storage: 137 x 37 x 37 cm (53 15/16 x 14 9/16 x 14 9/16 in.)
Accessories: barometer, pump (missing)
Description:
This is a classic Riefler astronomical regulator with constant, low-pressure chamber and the escapement designed by Sigmund Riefler in 1893.
See captions to photos for more details.
See captions to photos for more details.
In Collection(s)
Signedon dial: S. Riefler München
on dial: 1902
at top of pendulum: RIEFLER / MÜNCHEN
on dial: 1902
at top of pendulum: RIEFLER / MÜNCHEN
Inscribedon left side of dial: S. Riefler / D.R.P. No. 50739 / No. 65
on right side of dial: München / D.R.P. No. 100870 / 1902
on right side of dial: München / D.R.P. No. 100870 / 1902
Historical AttributesNumbers engraved on dial refer to Riefler patents:
D.R.P. No. 50739 Riefler "free" pendulum escapement
D.R.P. No. 100870 Nickel-steel alloy ("Invar") pendulum
Riefler also had a patent for a mercury compensation pendulum (D.R.P. No. 60059).
D.R.P. No. 50739 Riefler "free" pendulum escapement
D.R.P. No. 100870 Nickel-steel alloy ("Invar") pendulum
Riefler also had a patent for a mercury compensation pendulum (D.R.P. No. 60059).
Curatorial RemarksTechnical description provided by Richard Ketchen, horologist, February 2008.
ProvenanceBought by David P. Wheatland from Harvard College Observatory in April 1957.
