Beschreibung:

A brass electromagnetic balance mantel timepiece Eureka Clock Company Limited, early 20th century The movement with large diameter sprung split bimetallic balance applied with timing weights to circumference and with transverse electromagnetic impulse coil to centre oscillating against a sprung detent contact breaker and cam operating a lever and ratchet shunt for the motionwork, the rear with visible ball bearing pivot over regulation adjustment scale inscribed EUREKA, CLOCK Co. LTD. LONDON, PAT. No. 14614-1906, No. 57, the 4 inch convex cream enamel Roman numeral dial with steel spade hands and repeat signature over inscription "1,000 DAY ELECTRIC CLOCK" to centre within spun brass bezel, the whole raised on two cylindrical supports onto a circular moulded base carrying a domed glass cover, 25.5cm (10ins) high overall. The Eureka mantel timepiece was invented by Timothy Bernard Powers of New York shortly after 1900 and Patented in 1906. It is thought that around 10,000 were made by the Eureka Clock Company, London before their demise in 1914. The design of the balance is such that a constant voltage (of 1.5 volts) is required to ensure consistency in the amplitude of oscillation. Unfortunately early 20th century battery technology struggled to deliver a suitably stable output hence such timepieces acquired a reputation for poor timekeeping. Nowadays, once correctly set-up, good timekeeping can be achieved through use of modern cells which provide a much more consistent voltage output. Condition report disclaimer