VR-207 - Altdeutsche Time and Strike Vienna Regulator by Gustav Becker
The German movement is marked with the distinctive Becker circular trademarks, and is serial numbered 450250. Based on the trademarks, this clock comes from the Braunau, Bohemia Becker factory. The references seem to agree that the factory was started in 1888, in the former Austrian - Hungarian Danube Federation of Braunau. Braunau (now Broumov, CSR) was annexed by Czechoslovakia after World War I. Unfortunately a dating system has not been established for the serial numbers from the Braunau factory.
The mechanismis in excellent condition, recently cleaned, running, plates beautifully polished, all the screws nicely blued: this one is ready to hang.
Striking on a straight gong, this clock has a silvered dial chapter ring, contrasting with the engraved dial center. The engraving is in perfect condition, and matches the pattern on the bob and two weights. And yes, even the pulleys are embossed and the clock has its original, ornate, engraved beat scale. I mentioned the straight gong - for some this is a very desirable feature in that the straight gongs have a deeper, more resonating tone than the more conventional coiled gongs.
While the overall length of 40 inches doesn’t sound small, remember that this clock has both its head piece and tail finial. Without these it is only 31 inches long. But, with the head and tail piece it has a presence that is, if anything, bigger than its total length of 40 inches. And all of the glass is old and wavy!
Ready to hang, in very nice condition, with nothing missing, and in a porthole-style case, this is a lovely example of the smaller Vienna Regulators, and it is a Becker to boot!
Read MoreThe mechanismis in excellent condition, recently cleaned, running, plates beautifully polished, all the screws nicely blued: this one is ready to hang.
Striking on a straight gong, this clock has a silvered dial chapter ring, contrasting with the engraved dial center. The engraving is in perfect condition, and matches the pattern on the bob and two weights. And yes, even the pulleys are embossed and the clock has its original, ornate, engraved beat scale. I mentioned the straight gong - for some this is a very desirable feature in that the straight gongs have a deeper, more resonating tone than the more conventional coiled gongs.
While the overall length of 40 inches doesn’t sound small, remember that this clock has both its head piece and tail finial. Without these it is only 31 inches long. But, with the head and tail piece it has a presence that is, if anything, bigger than its total length of 40 inches. And all of the glass is old and wavy!
Ready to hang, in very nice condition, with nothing missing, and in a porthole-style case, this is a lovely example of the smaller Vienna Regulators, and it is a Becker to boot!
