VR-333 - Altdeutsche 2 weight Vienna Regulator by Gustav Becker
The German movement is marked with the distinctive Becker circular trademarks, and is serial numbered 52054. 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. While a dating system has not been established for the serial numbers from the Braunau factory, this clock, with its very low serial number, had to be made just before 1890.
Striking on a long, straight gong, this clock has a porcelain dial in perfect condition with no chips or hair-line cracks. The dial has grommets to the winding holes, a nice touch that helps eliminate chipping the dial while winding the clock, and the pendulum adjusting nut is made in two parts so you can lock the nut in place (ok - I’m not sure why the nut would move, but it is interesting to note that on some of the nicer clocks they use the two part nuts, almost like they think the nuts will unwind or something). The pulleys are embossed, the clock has its original porcelain beat scale (in perfect shape), original wall stabilizers, perfect pendulum bob with steel back, and great condition weights (ok, tarnished, with very few dings, but also with top plates that are knurled around the edges - a nice touch). 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.
The mechanism is pretty clean, nicely polished, and looking like it has lived its live in a cleaner than average environment. In fact, the dial pan looks almost new - it obviously isn’t, but it just doesn’t show the effects of multiple cleanings and a harsh environment.
The case is in very, very nice condition, and is totally complete. It is clean, has no cracks to the door, is very nicely waxed and ready to hang. I find it so nice to be able to offer clocks like this one, with lovely patina, quality carvings (as appropriate for a Becker, one of the nicer German makers), original headpiece, all of its original finials, its original finish in excellent condition, and all of the glass is old and wavy!
This very straight and correct Altdeutsche Vienna Regulator ready to hang and enjoy.
Read MoreStriking on a long, straight gong, this clock has a porcelain dial in perfect condition with no chips or hair-line cracks. The dial has grommets to the winding holes, a nice touch that helps eliminate chipping the dial while winding the clock, and the pendulum adjusting nut is made in two parts so you can lock the nut in place (ok - I’m not sure why the nut would move, but it is interesting to note that on some of the nicer clocks they use the two part nuts, almost like they think the nuts will unwind or something). The pulleys are embossed, the clock has its original porcelain beat scale (in perfect shape), original wall stabilizers, perfect pendulum bob with steel back, and great condition weights (ok, tarnished, with very few dings, but also with top plates that are knurled around the edges - a nice touch). 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.
The mechanism is pretty clean, nicely polished, and looking like it has lived its live in a cleaner than average environment. In fact, the dial pan looks almost new - it obviously isn’t, but it just doesn’t show the effects of multiple cleanings and a harsh environment.
The case is in very, very nice condition, and is totally complete. It is clean, has no cracks to the door, is very nicely waxed and ready to hang. I find it so nice to be able to offer clocks like this one, with lovely patina, quality carvings (as appropriate for a Becker, one of the nicer German makers), original headpiece, all of its original finials, its original finish in excellent condition, and all of the glass is old and wavy!
This very straight and correct Altdeutsche Vienna Regulator ready to hang and enjoy.
