top for collision balls pendulum
Datecirca 1850
Inventory NumberDW0317b
ClassificationPercussion Apparatus
Subject
Maker
Breton Frères
?
fl. 1843 - 1884
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsbase: 90.8 × 54.6 × 54.6 cm (35 3/4 × 21 1/2 × 21 1/2 in.)
top (without balls): 73.7 × 34.3 × 22.2 cm (29 × 13 1/2 × 8 3/4 in.)
top (without balls): 73.7 × 34.3 × 22.2 cm (29 × 13 1/2 × 8 3/4 in.)
Material
DescriptionSet of seven ivory balls, each fitted with a tiny metal hook, hung on string from rectangular wooden frame. Frame has one unthreaded wooden thumbscrew on each string for fine adjustment of position. Vertical supporting frame is inserted into tall wooden tripod pedestal and secured with threaded wooden thumbscrew.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis instrument is to demonstrate the conservation of energy in mechanics.
For a similar instrument from a nineteenth-century American instrument maker, and a short explanation, see the following website.
See this other site for a short YouTube video of this phenomenon.
For a similar instrument from a nineteenth-century American instrument maker, and a short explanation, see the following website.
See this other site for a short YouTube video of this phenomenon.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Alain Brieux, Paris, April 1967 (lot 27/3).
Breton Frères
Date: circa 1850
Accessories: (b) top, (c) ivory balls
Object number: DW0317a
Breton Frères
Date: 1850-1890
Accessories: foot broken off
Object number: DW0392
Breton Frères
Date: circa 1850
Accessories: 6 convertible objectives; 4 nosepieces, one with polarizer; 4 oculars; black / white disk; spare round stage with offset diaphragm; camera lucida; light polarizing insert; compressorium by Chevalier; fish trough; 2 prepared slides; 3 cuvettes; brass box specimen holder with compressed slides and collar to attach to microscope; flat case.
Object number: 1274
Breton Frères
Date: circa 1860
Accessories: broken drawer
Object number: DW0082