VR-312 - Altdeutsche Austrian granne-sonnerie striking Vienna Regulator
This clock, with its very classical case and exquisite mechanism illustrates clearly the reality behind clocks made by the Viennese late in the nineteenth century. Despite the low-cost competition from the Germans and Americans, individual Viennese makers continued to produce fantastic clocks. There were no corners cut in producing the mechanisms, with plates as thick, gears as well cut, and pinions as perfect as those produced by the Viennese masters in the 1840's. And this very clean, and very heavy I might add (these later clocks have rather solid, very well-made cases) clock epitomizes this reality.
The mechanism - recently cleaned, in working order, beautifully polished plates, nickel plating to the dial and pulleys in perfect condition. Hands in good condition, interesting to note the extremely fine detail to the hour hand!
Case - While earlier cases were veneered, the later Viennese cases were made from solid wood - in the case of this piece, walnut for what is visible, and oak for the underlying pieces. This is one very heavy, very high quality case. And, while it would benefit from a good cleaning and waxing, I would leave it as it is - the patina is just about as perfect as can be. A clock like this doesn’t want to be shiny, it wants to feel like it has lived in a European library all of its life - which is exactly how this one looks. And, while not a classical Altdeutsche, the case offers just enough adornment to be interesting, without wandering too far down the Black Forest path. The carvings of a quality you would expect from a Viennese piece - gracefully and delicately done. And, as you would hope, all of the glass is old and wavy. One additional point, the glass is held in with strips of wood that have been made specifically for this task, and are finished to match the case.
The weights and pendulum bob - perfect, nickle plating in excellent condition, engraving meticulously done. I am particularly taken with the weights - specifically the caps - with the nicest knurling I have ever seen. The wall stabilizers are old, the winding key very nice with its wooden handle, and even the original beat-scale, also in good condition,
My advice to the buyer of this clock is simple: Hang it on the wall and enjoy it - It needs nor wants any attention before providing years of enjoyment while,not to forget, providing the correct time!
Read MoreThe mechanism - recently cleaned, in working order, beautifully polished plates, nickel plating to the dial and pulleys in perfect condition. Hands in good condition, interesting to note the extremely fine detail to the hour hand!
Case - While earlier cases were veneered, the later Viennese cases were made from solid wood - in the case of this piece, walnut for what is visible, and oak for the underlying pieces. This is one very heavy, very high quality case. And, while it would benefit from a good cleaning and waxing, I would leave it as it is - the patina is just about as perfect as can be. A clock like this doesn’t want to be shiny, it wants to feel like it has lived in a European library all of its life - which is exactly how this one looks. And, while not a classical Altdeutsche, the case offers just enough adornment to be interesting, without wandering too far down the Black Forest path. The carvings of a quality you would expect from a Viennese piece - gracefully and delicately done. And, as you would hope, all of the glass is old and wavy. One additional point, the glass is held in with strips of wood that have been made specifically for this task, and are finished to match the case.
The weights and pendulum bob - perfect, nickle plating in excellent condition, engraving meticulously done. I am particularly taken with the weights - specifically the caps - with the nicest knurling I have ever seen. The wall stabilizers are old, the winding key very nice with its wooden handle, and even the original beat-scale, also in good condition,
My advice to the buyer of this clock is simple: Hang it on the wall and enjoy it - It needs nor wants any attention before providing years of enjoyment while,not to forget, providing the correct time!
