IBM model 37 radio-controlled master clock

Images(3)

IBM model 37 radio-controlled master clock

Date1956

Inventory Number2023-1-0008a

ClassificationClock

Subject

Maker International Business Machines Corporation 1911-present

Associate Name National Institute of Standards and Technology founded 1901

Maker Harvard College Observatory founded 1839

User Oak Ridge Station 1931 - 2005

User George R. Agassiz Station, Harvard 1951 - 1982

User Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory founded 1890

Cultural Region

Place of Origin

Place of Use

Material

DescriptionThis is a pendulum master clock made by IBM, which was radio controlled by signals on station WWV sent out by the National Bureau of Standards (today, the National Institute of Standards and Technology).

It originally would have had a stained wood cabinet with a glass door. This example has the cabinet painted gray. The glass is covered over by aluminum foil. A 100 watt light bulb serves as a heater. There is a control thermostat.

There is a radio tuning control panel on the left side of the clock. It is marked "DO NOT TUNE / BETWEEN QUARTER OF / AND THE HOUR" above an OFF ON knob.

2023-1-0008 is the IBM Model 37 radio supervised time control clock.

2023-1-0008a it the primary clock in its case
2023-1-0008b is the pendulum

The manual was found with the clock and is in the object file.

Signedon case below dial: Radio IBM time

Inscribedmarkings on inside circuit panel: MODEL 37 - 390200ES / HARVARD OBSERVATORY

Curatorial RemarksA manual was found with the clock and is preserved in the object file.

ProvenanceOak Ridge Observatory, Harvard, MA, Building 1; transfer to CHSI, 2023.

Historical AttributesThis clock was used at Oak Ridge Observatory, where it was installed in the observatory of the Roe 6.5-inch Alvan Clark & Sons telescope.