In 1861 Lorenz Resch opened the first clock factory in Austria to produce Vienna Regulators. The factory was located in Vienna until 1871 when he built a factory in the picturesque town of Ebensee. Lorenz died before the factory opened, and his three sons went on to become the envy of the Austrian clock industry.
With the death of Lorenz the sons changed the name of the company to Gebrueder Resch (Gebr. Resch, or GR, meaning “Brothers Resch”). The classic trademark “Remember” is credited with being developed by the factory workers who wanted to have a way of marking the love they felt for the factory owner on his death.
The clocks made by the Resch factory are comparable to the very best of the Beckers, and on par with Lenzkirch clocks. “Remember” clocks were sold through a Vienna outlet and widely exported. In fact, Kroeber imported many into the US. They usually have the movement attached to the brass mounting plate by keyhole slots slipping over turned studs. The Resch factory made only weight-driven mechanisms, and, at its peak, in 1885, produced from 12,000 to 15,000 clocks per year.
The mechanism appears to be in good condition, though it could use a good cleaning. The dial is near perfect, with two very fine hairline cracks that will disappear when the dial is cleaned. or flaws. And, the three holes in the dial (for the hands and for winding) have grommets - a nice and very functional touch.
This clock’s mechanism is serial numbered 214112, and the mounting bracket and pendulum have matching serial numbers.
The exceptionally narrow and elegant case is 52 inches long, and in perfect, if grimy condition. I love the contrasting colors of the veneer and the carved adornments on this case. And the quality and extent of the carving is fantastic. I especially like the headpiece – elegant carving and then the perfect series of turned spindles below it.
This piece has all its original bits (wall stabilizers, pulleys, beat scale, carved bits), and is in excellent, if grimy condition. It will be a show-piece when finished. If you are looking for a very elegant and quality example of the Altdeutsche period, this piece will exceed your expectations. It will cost $2,600 when cleaned, including shipping to the lower 48.
Sony DSC-TX1 |
Original size: 1802x3575 |
Current: 303x600 |