12th Mar, 2025 10:00
The Fine Collectors Sale
Mid 19th Cent Exhibition Electric Master Clock & Slave Unit, 1866 In Fine Collectors Auction
The master clock housed in a mahogany case with a moulded cornice, with a hinged and glazed front door, and a commemorative plaque that reads:
"Electric Clock. Made and invented and exhibited at the Metropolitan and Provincial Industrial Exhibition held at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, in September 1866 by Mr Louis Olin, to whom a silver medal was awarded. Presented by Mrs James Turrell and Mr Ernest Olin"
The movement incorporates a pendulum with a solid brass bob, suspended via a precision knife-edge suspension. Midway along the pendulum rod, two pivoted brass contact arms—insulated on the upper side with leather pads—regulate the electrical impulses.
During operation, these brass contacts engage with pivoted silver contacts, providing an electromagnetic impulse to the pendulum through C-shaped solenoids and iron plates affixed to the side of the pendulum. This system ensures a consistent and regulated oscillation.
The accompanying slave unit is mounted on a substantial ebonised oak base and features a striking skeleton frame finished with a simulated marble effect. The movement is fitted with robust, thick-cut wheelwork, with an escapement mechanism linked by chains to two paddles. These paddles are actuated by cloth-bound solenoids positioned on either side of the frame, ensuring synchronous operation with the master clock.
Louis Maximillian Ernest Olin, born in 1837, was a printer and stationer based in London during the mid-19th century, working from 15 Basinghall Street, he was primarily known as a Parliamentary stationer. His business card detailed his diverse expertise, describing him as a "Translator of Languages, Law and General Stationer, Printer, Lithographer, and Ornamental Writer." Beyond his professional endeavors, Olin resided at 9 Osterley Road, Stoke Newington, with his wife and two children.
Accompanying this lot are copies of Olin's naturalisation documents, his business card, and two photographs—possibly depicting Louis Olin with his wife, as well as with his daughter-in-law.
The master clock housed in a mahogany case with a moulded cornice, with a hinged and glazed front door, and a commemorative plaque that reads:
"Electric Clock. Made and invented and exhibited at the Metropolitan and Provincial Industrial Exhibition held at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, in September 1866 by Mr Louis Olin, to whom a silver medal was awarded. Presented by Mrs James Turrell and Mr Ernest Olin"
The movement incorporates a pendulum with a solid brass bob, suspended via a precision knife-edge suspension. Midway along the pendulum rod, two pivoted brass contact arms—insulated on the upper side with leather pads—regulate the electrical impulses.
During operation, these brass contacts engage with pivoted silver contacts, providing an electromagnetic impulse to the pendulum through C-shaped solenoids and iron plates affixed to the side of the pendulum. This system ensures a consistent and regulated oscillation.
The accompanying slave unit is mounted on a substantial ebonised oak base and features a striking skeleton frame finished with a simulated marble effect. The movement is fitted with robust, thick-cut wheelwork, with an escapement mechanism linked by chains to two paddles. These paddles are actuated by cloth-bound solenoids positioned on either side of the frame, ensuring synchronous operation with the master clock.
Louis Maximillian Ernest Olin, born in 1837, was a printer and stationer based in London during the mid-19th century, working from 15 Basinghall Street, he was primarily known as a Parliamentary stationer. His business card detailed his diverse expertise, describing him as a "Translator of Languages, Law and General Stationer, Printer, Lithographer, and Ornamental Writer." Beyond his professional endeavors, Olin resided at 9 Osterley Road, Stoke Newington, with his wife and two children.
Accompanying this lot are copies of Olin's naturalisation documents, his business card, and two photographs—possibly depicting Louis Olin with his wife, as well as with his daughter-in-law.
Auction: The Fine Collectors Sale, 12th Mar, 2025
