Posted 3 years ago
hotairfan
(385 items)
I found this to be very interesting, but I haven't the slightest idea what it is or was used for. This instrument has a series of gears linked together to rotate all at the same time, but at different speeds. Each item has a part number etched on it. It is highly precision in nature and has a really neat planetary gear system in the center. All of the gears are made of brass except the black gear on the end. It is made from steel. It stands about 10" tall. All of the gears spin easily and in unison when you rotate them. I got this mechanism at an auction of mechanical instruments. I'm calling on my fellow collectors to solve this "what is it" item.
What a *wonderful* little machine (part?) it is, no matter its actual purpose -- it is just beautifully fabricated!!! I'm sorry I don't have much of anything to offer about it but I like your idea of something for a clock, perhaps part of a large 'tower' or 'railway station' sort?? Does the planetary gear mechanism seem to act as any sort of speed regulator to it??
You could be right Anything, there was a lot of clock parts and tools at the sale, including a working chronograph that brought several hundred. The planetary gear mechanism could very well regulate the speed of the movement.