Flying Pendulum Clock Value Guide

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 affects the value of Flying Pendulum Clock?

• 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.