DESCRIPTION:
George P. Reed, Boston, very rare "Reed's Patent Chronometer Pendulum" based on elements of his 1889 and 1890 patent designs (U.S. patents #409705 and #436941, copies of each will be included with this lot), pendulum consists of a vertical steel rod with its "bob" adjustable by a nut at bottom and comprised by a cylindrical steel weight surrounded by a mono-metallic circular ring and a split bi-metallic balance wheel form surround that raises or lowers the center of gravity of the pendulum "bob" to correspond with any change of the length of the rod induced by changes in the ambient environment temperature, bi-metallic balance wheel form surround also with adjustable timing screws, total length of pendulum is approximately 20 inches, circular lower portion approximately 6.25 inches diameter. George P. Reed was an innovative independent American watchmaker who likely produced somewhere between 350 and 400 watches in total. Reed's production is notable among American horology for including a number of watches with interesting complications such as winding indicator display, spring detent escapements, and calendar watches. The present pendulum is a terrific item for the collector of George P. Reed, as it demonstrates the fruits of his innovative horological mind and is also visually quite striking as a display piece.
CONDITION:
Excellent cosmetic condition overall, showing an overall light tarnish, mild oxide to steel portions, bi-metallic split ring with a slight asymmetry evident at top with its right side being slightly above its left.
ESTIMATE:
$1500
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$3000
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