J. H. de Magellan, London, circa 1780. A very rare small astronomical regulator perhaps for a portable observatory. | Important Collectors Wristwatches Pocket Watches & Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 21st October 1995

Important Collectors Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 54

J. H. de Magellan, London, circa 1780. A very rare small astronomical regulator perhaps for a portable observatory.

CHF 20,000 - 25,000

D. Silvered brass regulator style with minutes at 12 o'clock and volvelle for the hours at 6 o'clock. Arabic seconds and minutes, roman hour numerals. Blued steel hands. Signed 'J.H. de Magellan fieri Curavit Londini (J.H. de Magellan caused it to be made in London). M. Brass with slightly tapering arched top plates, plain turned pillars, dead-beat anchor escapement with steel anchor, grooved barrel for the gut line, lateral pendulum adjustment, wood rod pendulum with brass bob, cylindrical brass cased weights. In very good condition. Width of dial. 20 cm.

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Notes

Note: The small arc of the escapement movement in this instrument permits the pendulum an oscillation of less than 2°, suggesting that Magellan was attempting a compensation for gravitational perturbation on its action.