Electric Tower Clocks - J. & A. Ungerer and Verite Auguse Lucine

These individual were pioneers of electric use in timekeeping in
Europe, but by no means the only ones.  Here is some info. I found.

Ungerer (Brother and family)

Their trade mark was as small plaque posted on the movements on which 
was written "J. & A. UNGERER FABRIQUE d'HORLOGES, STRASBOURG" along
with a date and movement number in the lower left and right corners
of the plaque, respectively.

Originally they produced mechanical tower clocks from Strasbourg and
later opened a branch in Lorraine France.  They originally produced
and installed the Astronomical clocks in the Strasbourg Cathedral
in 1354.  These were the original J. & A. Ungerer.  In 1574 this
clock was replaced by a clock made by Isaac Harbrecht of Strasbourg
and later in 1842 (perhaps for the preservation of the family's
historical reputation) this clock was replaced by another manufactured
by Jean-Baptiste Schwilgue with Albert and Theodore Ungerer all
residing in Strasbourg and this clock is signed "UNGERER".

This family designed, constructed and erected the Messian Cathedral 
Clock in Italy.  The date is unknown and it was electric.

The Ungerers' family also sprouted an author in the 1900's. Alfred 
Ungerer wrote the book "Le Horlogies Astromiques" copyrighted in 1932 
and other writings dealing with the design and construction of large 
clocks.


Verite Auguse Lucine

Born in 1806 and died in 1887.  Produced his works (public clocks)
in an around Bauvias France and applied electricity for synchronous
time keeping. 

Here is a brief outline of his history:

1824 - Published an essay entitled "Modified George Graham's
	Escapement with Reverse Anchor"

1832 - He established a clock factory

1850 - Patented a version of a free pendulum

1853 - Presented to the 'ROYALE des SCIENCE" a paper dealing with
	large regulator with constant force electric power escapement.

1854 - Patented his electric powered escapement

1856 and on - Produced clocks for the Northern French Railway Company.

From 1856-1860 produced and cared for the astronomical clock in
	Besancon Cathedral.

From 1865-1868 produced and cared for the astronomical clock in the 
	Beauvais Cathedral.

Thanks and enjoy,

Regards
Tim Sweet
http://www.tritco.com/most/most1.html