Verge escapement
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The verge escapement is the earliest known type of mechanical escapement, the mechanism in a mechanical clock that controls its rate by allowing the gear train to advance at regular intervals, or tick
One of the earliest existing drawings of a verge escapement, in Giovanni de Dondi's astronomical clock, the Astrarium, built 1364, Padua, Italy. This had a balance wheel (crown shape at top) instead of a foliot. The escapement is just below it. From his 1364 clock treatise, Il Tractatus Astrarii.
Modern reproduction of an early verge and foliot clock. The pointed-tooth verge wheel is visible, with the wooden foliot rod and suspended weight above it.
Salisbury Cathedral, medieval clock
Salisbury Cathedral 2012 12
Salisbury Cathedral clock
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The Salisbury Cathedral clock is a large iron-framed tower clock without a dial, in Salisbury Cathedral, England. Thought to date from about 1386, it is a well-preserved example of the earliest type o
Verge escapement
…trying to invent an escapement, but hadn't been successful yet. However, there is agreement that mechanical clocks existed by the late 13th century. Salisbury Cathedral clock, 1386?, Salisbury, England, shows what the first verge clocks looked like. It did not have a clock face but was built to ring the hours. The few original…
The going train of the clock
The striking train of the clock