Clockwork and Fresnel Lens Exhibit - Pensacola Lighthouse

This exhibit was manufactured for the Pensacola Lighthouse Museum, showcasing a clockwork and scale model Fresnel lens. Clockworks were used before electricity to rotate Fresnel lenses. A weight would drop down the center shaft of the lighthouse rotating the clockwork mechanism, which engaged the platen gear under the lens. The platen gear rested on a ball bearing system, chariot wheels, or a mercury bath, depending on the size and style of the lens.

[@Crysta11ize]

Commissioning one of these lenses for myself is at the top of my to-do list, as soon as I win the lottery 😂. Great work here, super impressive

[@zoozolplexOne]

awesome !!

[@DeadlyGamingKing]

Amazing work, thank you very much!

[@BayuAH]

I have question, how the wire rolling-back to to the drum again after the ballast reaches the bottom? Did they manually rolling it again?

[@ArtworksFlorida]

Yes, the lightkeeper had to wind the cable back up once it reached the bottom of the tower. This may take place several times per night.

[@michaelbauers8800]

Where can I get one on sale? ;)