astronomical regulator
Datecirca 1685
Inventory Number0069
ClassificationClock
Subject
Maker
Thomas Tompion
1639 - 1713
User
John Winthrop
1714 - 1779
User
Samuel Williams
1743 - 1817
Place of Origin
Dimensions208.3 cm (82 in.)
Material
Bibliography
DescriptionThe clock has a painted, wooden case that is crudely made and no doubt of colonial American workmanship. There are simple bracket feet, an undecorated plinth, a waist, a full-length door with three panels, two locks, and two decorated hinges. The bonnet has paneled ends and a door hung on two H-hinges. This was originally a rising hood clock without a bonnet door. The bonnet originally slid up channels nailed to the back board and locked in place. Now access is through a hinged glazed door.
The clock movement has six turned pillars that separate and support two plates of the clock frame. There is a bolt and shutter device for a maintaining power. The chapter ring is silvered, as are the seconds bit, alarm adjustment (decorated with a Tudor rose). The four cast brass spandrels are fire gilt and show winged cherub heads.
For more details about the clock movement and parts, see the captions to the photographs.
The clock movement has six turned pillars that separate and support two plates of the clock frame. There is a bolt and shutter device for a maintaining power. The chapter ring is silvered, as are the seconds bit, alarm adjustment (decorated with a Tudor rose). The four cast brass spandrels are fire gilt and show winged cherub heads.
For more details about the clock movement and parts, see the captions to the photographs.
Signedon dial face: Tho. Tompion Londini fecit
Inscribedscratched on face beneath signature: 1511
Curatorial RemarksTechnical description provided by Richard Ketchen, horologist, February 2008.
Historical AttributesThis was Harvard College's most precise clock for nearly 100 years. In 1761, John Winthrop took this clock to St. John's, Newfoundland to observe the Transit of Venus. The clock case still has holes in the back where the clock was screwed to a tree trunk sunk in the ground for stability.
French
Date: circa 1875
Accessories: envelope with lead shot
compass dial
unidentified papers
Object number: DW0601
William Bond and Son
Date: circa 1864
Accessories: Winding key
Object number: 2502
Synchronome Company, Ltd
Date: circa 1929
Object number: 1998-1-0187b
Ballou Manufacturing Company
Date: 1880-1890
Object number: 1997-1-0515
George Washington Pierce
Date: 1920-1928
Accessories: Inside the clock: long pendulum staff; cylindrical brass weight; knob; an installation plan.
in accessories box of master clock RS0116a: some of the suspension and electrical contacts are for the slave clock.
Object number: RS0116b
William Hamilton Shortt
Date: circa 1929
Object number: 1998-1-0187a
International Business Machines Corporation
Date: 1956
Object number: 2023-1-0008