VR-393 Dwarf Altdeutsche 2 weight Vienna Regulator by Wilhelm Nadler in Wien
Claterbos tells us that Wilhelm was a sworn apprentice to the Imperial Court (residing at Schonbrunnerstrasse 36 in 1872) before starting his own practice at Mariahilferstrasse 164. He was no longer listed as a clock maker in 1812.
Oh my, what a lovely, albeit short, Vienna Regulator! It is interesting to look at a piece like this, since I suspect many will look at it and compare it with the R/A clocks of this same general size. To put it mildly, there is no comparison. Firstly, this clock is weight driven, while the R/A’s are spring driven. And, being so short, being weight driven is no mean feat, given it means a significantly shorter weight drop when compared to the typical Vienna Regulator - in fact, it is roughly half the drop. This requires that the mechanisms be something really special - as is found in this clock. I really can’t stress enough how wonderful these mechanisms are, with their watch-like quality. And this one is no exception, from its delicately pierced hands to its beautifully made beat adjustment mechanism. Everything about these mechanisms bespeaks quality. Though, while a very nice mechanism, it is dirty and could use a good cleaning and replacement weight lines.
Note too the three grommets to the dial, including the one around the hand arbors - one more than usual (when there are any grommets at all...). And the appropriate, and perfect beat scale, the dial in exemplary condition with a beautifully preserved makers name, short, fat and very nice weights, perfect (if tarnished) bob, embossed pulleys - It really is nice to be able to offer clocks this nice.
The case, which is beautifully patinated (ok, some would say dirty) is in excellent condition. This case brings to mind a discussion I have often heard in the past - that of leaving a case absolutely alone, or cleaning up the years of accumulated grunge. Sometimes it is not an issue, for instance when you get your hand black picking up the case. Don’t laugh, we have seen this. Then there is a case like this one - sufficient grime has accumulated to dull the finish, to the point that you can tell in many areas that there is something on the finish. My recommendation is to tread lightly, but to remove grime that hides the beauty of the case. In no way do I recommend removing original finish, or whole-sale restaining the case to change its impact. I use very mild rubbing compounds to both remove dust, grit, tars (from coal-burning stoves - usually very dark brown - and cigarettes/cigars - usually more of a yellowish/brown residue) as well as polish the underlying finish. After cleaning, and rubbing off all of the rubbing compound I then wax out the case with a high-quality English paste wax. It is often virtually unbelievable how much this improves the look of the piece - while retaining the original finish, with all of the fading and discoloring that comes with being around for 100 to 200 years. Bottom line, I think this case would really come to life if the case were cleaned.
Note too the very-nicely done window frame to the backboard, accentuating the contrasting center section, as well as the faux-finished contrasting section of the base. And, while the top is missing the two side finials, I think it looks best just the way it is, with the carved top piece, and the carved center to the top being all that is needed to make it look quite complete. I think side finials to the top would detract from the rest of the top. But, of course, it could use a bottom finial, which I can provide for $40.
Which brings up another point - I am often asked if I can provide replacement finials for clocks I don’t sell. Firstly, I typically take 2 to 4 hours to properly match a finial, both its style, color, finish and patina. While I could provide finials for others clocks (at a cost of over $200 each) it would take me away from preparing my clocks for sale. The finials I make are priced to reflect your decision to buy a clock, not to reflect the time it takes to make them.
And all of the glass is old and wavy, and the wall stabilizers are originals!
If you want a small gem of a clock, one that stands out as a truly lovely piece, unusual, higher quality than most Viennese (which says a lot), this clock will please you. And, if you want a clock that is ready to hang, consider that for $300 all would be made right. The case would be cleaned, polished, any finish flaws touched up, new, matching bottom finial, mechanism cleaned... And, if you want, another $80 and you would have matching top finials.
You would then have a piece that would be ready to hang and enjoy (or in my case, love.)
Read MoreOh my, what a lovely, albeit short, Vienna Regulator! It is interesting to look at a piece like this, since I suspect many will look at it and compare it with the R/A clocks of this same general size. To put it mildly, there is no comparison. Firstly, this clock is weight driven, while the R/A’s are spring driven. And, being so short, being weight driven is no mean feat, given it means a significantly shorter weight drop when compared to the typical Vienna Regulator - in fact, it is roughly half the drop. This requires that the mechanisms be something really special - as is found in this clock. I really can’t stress enough how wonderful these mechanisms are, with their watch-like quality. And this one is no exception, from its delicately pierced hands to its beautifully made beat adjustment mechanism. Everything about these mechanisms bespeaks quality. Though, while a very nice mechanism, it is dirty and could use a good cleaning and replacement weight lines.
Note too the three grommets to the dial, including the one around the hand arbors - one more than usual (when there are any grommets at all...). And the appropriate, and perfect beat scale, the dial in exemplary condition with a beautifully preserved makers name, short, fat and very nice weights, perfect (if tarnished) bob, embossed pulleys - It really is nice to be able to offer clocks this nice.
The case, which is beautifully patinated (ok, some would say dirty) is in excellent condition. This case brings to mind a discussion I have often heard in the past - that of leaving a case absolutely alone, or cleaning up the years of accumulated grunge. Sometimes it is not an issue, for instance when you get your hand black picking up the case. Don’t laugh, we have seen this. Then there is a case like this one - sufficient grime has accumulated to dull the finish, to the point that you can tell in many areas that there is something on the finish. My recommendation is to tread lightly, but to remove grime that hides the beauty of the case. In no way do I recommend removing original finish, or whole-sale restaining the case to change its impact. I use very mild rubbing compounds to both remove dust, grit, tars (from coal-burning stoves - usually very dark brown - and cigarettes/cigars - usually more of a yellowish/brown residue) as well as polish the underlying finish. After cleaning, and rubbing off all of the rubbing compound I then wax out the case with a high-quality English paste wax. It is often virtually unbelievable how much this improves the look of the piece - while retaining the original finish, with all of the fading and discoloring that comes with being around for 100 to 200 years. Bottom line, I think this case would really come to life if the case were cleaned.
Note too the very-nicely done window frame to the backboard, accentuating the contrasting center section, as well as the faux-finished contrasting section of the base. And, while the top is missing the two side finials, I think it looks best just the way it is, with the carved top piece, and the carved center to the top being all that is needed to make it look quite complete. I think side finials to the top would detract from the rest of the top. But, of course, it could use a bottom finial, which I can provide for $40.
Which brings up another point - I am often asked if I can provide replacement finials for clocks I don’t sell. Firstly, I typically take 2 to 4 hours to properly match a finial, both its style, color, finish and patina. While I could provide finials for others clocks (at a cost of over $200 each) it would take me away from preparing my clocks for sale. The finials I make are priced to reflect your decision to buy a clock, not to reflect the time it takes to make them.
And all of the glass is old and wavy, and the wall stabilizers are originals!
If you want a small gem of a clock, one that stands out as a truly lovely piece, unusual, higher quality than most Viennese (which says a lot), this clock will please you. And, if you want a clock that is ready to hang, consider that for $300 all would be made right. The case would be cleaned, polished, any finish flaws touched up, new, matching bottom finial, mechanism cleaned... And, if you want, another $80 and you would have matching top finials.
You would then have a piece that would be ready to hang and enjoy (or in my case, love.)
