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astronomical regulator, no. 255
Date: circa 1910
Inventory Number: 1998-1-0112
Classification: Clock
Subject:
Maker: E. Howard & Company (founded 1842)
Owner: Detroit Observatory, University of Michigan (founded 1838)
User: Whitin Observatory, Wellesley College (founded 1898)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
148 x 46 x 26 cm (58 1/4 x 18 1/8 x 10 1/4 in.)
regulator: 148 x 46 x 26 cm (58 1/4 x 18 1/8 x 10 1/4 in.)
Accessories: Box of assorted parts, early bound timekeeping record. Several letters.
Description:
This astronomical regulator has jeweled pivot holes on the escape wheel. The verge pallets are jeweled. The crutch has beat adjustment screws. The pinions have 12 leaves, and the great wheel has 144 teeth.
There are three electrical contacts. One is tripped every 24 hours; one every minute; and one every second, missing the 59th second.
The top edge of the plates and some parts are stamped "4" or "IIII" or "IV." The great wheel is marked "6" or "9." The inside of the rear plate is stamped "F."
With the clock is a small notebook marked "Whitin Observatory / Howard Clock No. 255 (sidereal)." The book gives the early history of the clock and keeps track of how well the clock has been running between 1917 and 1947.
There are three electrical contacts. One is tripped every 24 hours; one every minute; and one every second, missing the 59th second.
The top edge of the plates and some parts are stamped "4" or "IIII" or "IV." The great wheel is marked "6" or "9." The inside of the rear plate is stamped "F."
With the clock is a small notebook marked "Whitin Observatory / Howard Clock No. 255 (sidereal)." The book gives the early history of the clock and keeps track of how well the clock has been running between 1917 and 1947.
In Collection(s)
SignedEngraved on the dial: E. HOWARD & CO. BOSTON.
Inscribedon end paper of booklet in case: Whitin Observatory / Howard Clock No. 255 / (sidereal)
Historical AttributesAccording to a 1906 letter transcribed in 1917 into the winding booklet in the clock, the regulator left the E. Howard & Company factory in November 1883. It was sent to M. S. Smith & Company of Detroit for use by Professor M. W. Harrington of the Detroit Observatory in Ann Arbor. The clock had a "regular astronomical pattern, with a #3 movement with jeweled escapement and cluster mercurial pendulum." It did not have electrical contacts at that time. The list price for the clock was $350.
The clock was purchased by Wellesley College along with a 6-inch telescope from Mrs. Cartwright of Detroit in the late 19th century. It was set up in 1906 in the South Transit Room of the Whitin Observatory. In 1908, the E. Howard firm added a break circuit to the clock to attach it electrically to a chronograph.
The clock was used at the Whitin Observatory from 1906 until 1960. After that date, the clock was in the hands of Elmer O. Stennes, a clock manufacture in East Weymouth. In 1962, David P. Wheatland purahced the clock.
The clock was purchased by Wellesley College along with a 6-inch telescope from Mrs. Cartwright of Detroit in the late 19th century. It was set up in 1906 in the South Transit Room of the Whitin Observatory. In 1908, the E. Howard firm added a break circuit to the clock to attach it electrically to a chronograph.
The clock was used at the Whitin Observatory from 1906 until 1960. After that date, the clock was in the hands of Elmer O. Stennes, a clock manufacture in East Weymouth. In 1962, David P. Wheatland purahced the clock.
ProvenanceDetroit Observatory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1883- circa 1900; Whitin Observatory, Wellesley College, Wellesley, 1906-1960; Elmer O. Stennes, East Weymouth, 1960-1962; David P. Wheatland, 1962.