VR-391 - Altdeutsche 3 weight Vienna Regulator by Gustav Becker in a beautifully made case.
The German movement is marked with the distinctive Becker circular trademarks, and is serial numbered 59488. This clocks trademarks list both the Freiburg and the Braunau Becker factory locations (FREIB. i. SCHL., BRAUNAU i. BOEHM). Interestingly, this trademark is not listed in the classic trademark reference book by Kochmann. None the less, the quality of the mechanism is very nice: Based on its very low serial number and quality, I would estimate the vintage of this piece at roughly 1875.
Striking on two coiled steel gongs, this clock has a porcelain dial in near-perfect condition with no chips and only the faintest of hair-line cracks near the 4 on the chapter ring. The hair-line cracks will disappear when the dial is thoroughly cleaned. And, 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. I am also beginning to recognize that Becker quite often used the double-nut arrangement). The pulleys are embossed, the clock has its original porcelain beat scale (in perfect condition), original wall stabilizers, perfect pendulum bob with steel back, good-condition weights (one side of each is in near perfect condition, with minor dings to the backs). And, speaking of rather unusual, the mechanism mounting plate is serial numbered to match the mechanism. Perhaps this is a feature of the earlier Beckers from Braunau (note the low serial number - 59488!)
While many of you will be drawn to this clock because it is a Becker, the case will be the ultimate attraction. Subtle, with a rather “all of a piece” feel, the case is in fact quite a complex piece. With 7 inset picture frames accentuating the burled veneer that they surround, a beautifully inlaid tail, delicate and exceptionally carved top and base trim to the door columns, and a very nicely carved flourish to the top arch: The quality represented by this case is quite subtle, but overall exceptional. And yes, you can tell in the photo’s that the piece is very dirty, but the underlying finish is in perfect condition. This is a case that will positively come to life, whether you commission SNClocks to remove the grime, or if you choose to do so yourself (hopefully with guidance from SNClocks as to the techniques and products that they have found to be most effective!). An interesting point to consider with this case: Often when there are window frames adorning the different pieces of the case, the frames are used to accentuate a faux-finished contrasting section of the case. The finer cases (of which this is clearly an example) actually inset burled veneer into each of the window frames. In fact, the area surrounded by the picture frame to the back of this case is a separate piece of wood, complete with its contrasting veneer. The backboard has a rectangular cut-out into which is carefully fitted this separate piece of wood! And, in the case of this piece - the inset piece of wood is in perfect condition, with its backing fitting perfectly into the backboard. And then there is the lovely contrasting veneer to the base - again, beautifully and artistically laid into the tail.
I am quite taken with the quality of carving exhibited on this case, including a lovely flourish to the top arch. And, while there is a hole to the very top of the arch, I think it would be inappropriate (or at least not attractive) to have a top finial. And, all of the glass is old and wavy!
Read MoreStriking on two coiled steel gongs, this clock has a porcelain dial in near-perfect condition with no chips and only the faintest of hair-line cracks near the 4 on the chapter ring. The hair-line cracks will disappear when the dial is thoroughly cleaned. And, 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. I am also beginning to recognize that Becker quite often used the double-nut arrangement). The pulleys are embossed, the clock has its original porcelain beat scale (in perfect condition), original wall stabilizers, perfect pendulum bob with steel back, good-condition weights (one side of each is in near perfect condition, with minor dings to the backs). And, speaking of rather unusual, the mechanism mounting plate is serial numbered to match the mechanism. Perhaps this is a feature of the earlier Beckers from Braunau (note the low serial number - 59488!)
While many of you will be drawn to this clock because it is a Becker, the case will be the ultimate attraction. Subtle, with a rather “all of a piece” feel, the case is in fact quite a complex piece. With 7 inset picture frames accentuating the burled veneer that they surround, a beautifully inlaid tail, delicate and exceptionally carved top and base trim to the door columns, and a very nicely carved flourish to the top arch: The quality represented by this case is quite subtle, but overall exceptional. And yes, you can tell in the photo’s that the piece is very dirty, but the underlying finish is in perfect condition. This is a case that will positively come to life, whether you commission SNClocks to remove the grime, or if you choose to do so yourself (hopefully with guidance from SNClocks as to the techniques and products that they have found to be most effective!). An interesting point to consider with this case: Often when there are window frames adorning the different pieces of the case, the frames are used to accentuate a faux-finished contrasting section of the case. The finer cases (of which this is clearly an example) actually inset burled veneer into each of the window frames. In fact, the area surrounded by the picture frame to the back of this case is a separate piece of wood, complete with its contrasting veneer. The backboard has a rectangular cut-out into which is carefully fitted this separate piece of wood! And, in the case of this piece - the inset piece of wood is in perfect condition, with its backing fitting perfectly into the backboard. And then there is the lovely contrasting veneer to the base - again, beautifully and artistically laid into the tail.
I am quite taken with the quality of carving exhibited on this case, including a lovely flourish to the top arch. And, while there is a hole to the very top of the arch, I think it would be inappropriate (or at least not attractive) to have a top finial. And, all of the glass is old and wavy!
