Flying Pendulum Clock Value Guide

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Flying Pendulum Clock
Estimated Value
$110 – $120
Period
1970-1990
Origin
Spain
Materials
Iron, Brass, Plastic

This Flying Pendulum Clock is a captivating mechanical reproduction from the 1970-1990 era, manufactured in Spain using a blend of iron, brass, and plastic. While often associated with Leonardo da Vinci, it actually features an 1883 A.H. Shore escapement design where a tethered ball wraps around brass posts to regulate time.

What Is Flying Pendulum Clock Worth?

The typical price range for Flying Pendulum Clock is $110 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The physical condition of the iron frame and the absence of corrosion on the brass components.
  • The presence and integrity of the original string and ball, which are essential for the clock's operation.
  • Operational status, as the complex wrapping motion is prone to tangling if not properly maintained.
  • Market demand for Spanish-made mechanical novelties within the $110 to $120 price range.

How to Identify Flying Pendulum Clock?

  • Look for the distinctive 'flying' ball on a string that swings between two vertical brass pillars.
  • Check for 'Made in Spain' markings on the base or movement, typical of these late 20th-century reproductions.
  • Verify the presence of the specific iron frame and brass gears characteristic of the 1970s-1990s construction.
  • Confirm the escapement mechanism matches the A.H. Shore patent style rather than a traditional anchor or lever escapement.

History of Flying Pendulum Clock

This clock is a modern reproduction of a design often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, though the escapement was actually patented by A.H. Shore in 1883. It utilizes a ball on a string that wraps and unwraps around brass posts to regulate time, providing a mesmerizing, though historically inaccurate, motion.

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