Time-ball by Bryson, Edinburgh circa 1850
Exquisite miniature Time-ball by Bryson. This was made by the eminent clock making family of Bryson for the window of their shop in Princes Street (66) Edinburgh circa 1850. It was activated by a long case regulator (made by Bryson now in the US) which closed an electric circuit at 1.00 p.m. and released the ball and simultaneously closed a second switch (at the top of the time-ball post - see photo) which rang an electric bell in the Bryson workshop for their workmen to check the timing of the clocks there. The time-ball was reset by pulling the cord at the rear. Miniature time-balls are exceptionally rare (do any other period examples exist?) and this example is totally unique. It was made by the Brysons for their shop no other examples were made by the firm. It must have made a wonderful window piece for prospective customers and other Edinburgh people to observe and check their pocket watches and compare the accuracy of Bryson's ball (and therefor the Bryson's clocks) with the firing of the "One O' Clock Gun' from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle on the opposite side high above Princes Street. The mechanism seems extraordinarily complicated for such an apparently simple operation but it is an exquisite piece made to the highest standards by one of the greatest Edinburgh clock making families. Bryson's business was bought by Hamilton and Inches in 1886 who continue in business in Edinburgh. Base 8.25" (206 mm) x 6.675" (168 mm) height 16" (406 mm)
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Bryson Time-ball 1
Bryson Time-ball 2
Bryson Time-ball 3
Bryson Time-ball 4
Bryson Time-ball 5
Bryson Time-ball 6
Bryson Time-ball 7
