VR-516 - Altdeutsche 3 weight Vienna Regulator by Gebrueder Resch
The Austrian movement is marked with the Remember/Gebrueder Resch trademark, and serial number 9957. This is the earliest Gebrueder Resch clock that I have had the pleasure of finding. Needless to say, the pendulum suspension hanger and the four-post mechanism mount are also marked 9957.
This rather large and impressive walnut Vienna Regulator has a very nice case with a lovely patina. Sometimes patina simply translates to dirty. In the case of this piece it translates to character, and ads a great deal to the clocks charm. Of course, with the wonderful carving and deep walnut hues, this case is an excellent example of the best of the Altdeutsche period.
In 1861 Lorenz Resch opened the first clock factory in Austria to produce Vienna Regulators. The factory was located in Vienna until 1871 when he built a factory in the picturesque town of Ebensee. Lorenz died before the factory opened, and his three sons went on to become the envy of the Austrian clock industry.
The clocks made by the Resch factory are comparable to the very best of the Beckers, and on par with Lenzkirch clocks. “Remember” clocks were sold through a Vienna outlet and widely exported. In fact, Kroeber imported many into the US. They usually have the movement attached to the brass mounting plate by keyhole slots slipping over turned studs. The Resch factory made only weight-driven mechanisms.
With the death of Lorenz the sons changed the name of the company to Gebrueder Resch (Gebr. Resch, or GR, meaning “Brothers Resch”). The classic trademark “Remember” is credited with being developed by the factory workers who wanted to have a way of marking the love they felt for the factory owner on his death. The factory production reached its peak in 1885, producing from 12,000 to 15,000 clocks per year.
The mechanism appears to be in good condition, though it could use a good cleaning. The dial is perfect, with no hairline cracks or flaws. And, all four holes have grommets - a nice and very functional touch.
The thing I notice when I first looked at this clock was its truly beautiful carving. And, while it is extensively carved, it isn’t busy - from a distance it just looks all of a piece - as if it were just made in the ideal form. As you get closer you note more and more detail, especially the very crisp and well done carving. Both the depth and quality of the carving, as well as the rather wonderful band of carving to the section below the top and above the base combine to make this clock something truly special.
Note too the picture frame to the back-board with its inset burled veneer. And the key-lock door, original beat scale, old, wood-handled winding key, wall stabilizers, bob (I just had to polish it out was so tarnished...) in perfect condition, weights with knurled tops, also very nice, but a bit tarnished. This clock really stands out because everything is there! And all the glass is old and wavy.
Did I mention this case is in phenomenal condition? Well, it is. And, to provide the fitting crowning piece the maker gave us a lovely carved head - very nicely done and much more attractive (at least to me) than some of the gargoyles and the like gracing some of the Altdeutsche pieces.
If you like the darker, walnut hues and want a stunning example of the Altdeutsche period...
Read MoreThis rather large and impressive walnut Vienna Regulator has a very nice case with a lovely patina. Sometimes patina simply translates to dirty. In the case of this piece it translates to character, and ads a great deal to the clocks charm. Of course, with the wonderful carving and deep walnut hues, this case is an excellent example of the best of the Altdeutsche period.
In 1861 Lorenz Resch opened the first clock factory in Austria to produce Vienna Regulators. The factory was located in Vienna until 1871 when he built a factory in the picturesque town of Ebensee. Lorenz died before the factory opened, and his three sons went on to become the envy of the Austrian clock industry.
The clocks made by the Resch factory are comparable to the very best of the Beckers, and on par with Lenzkirch clocks. “Remember” clocks were sold through a Vienna outlet and widely exported. In fact, Kroeber imported many into the US. They usually have the movement attached to the brass mounting plate by keyhole slots slipping over turned studs. The Resch factory made only weight-driven mechanisms.
With the death of Lorenz the sons changed the name of the company to Gebrueder Resch (Gebr. Resch, or GR, meaning “Brothers Resch”). The classic trademark “Remember” is credited with being developed by the factory workers who wanted to have a way of marking the love they felt for the factory owner on his death. The factory production reached its peak in 1885, producing from 12,000 to 15,000 clocks per year.
The mechanism appears to be in good condition, though it could use a good cleaning. The dial is perfect, with no hairline cracks or flaws. And, all four holes have grommets - a nice and very functional touch.
The thing I notice when I first looked at this clock was its truly beautiful carving. And, while it is extensively carved, it isn’t busy - from a distance it just looks all of a piece - as if it were just made in the ideal form. As you get closer you note more and more detail, especially the very crisp and well done carving. Both the depth and quality of the carving, as well as the rather wonderful band of carving to the section below the top and above the base combine to make this clock something truly special.
Note too the picture frame to the back-board with its inset burled veneer. And the key-lock door, original beat scale, old, wood-handled winding key, wall stabilizers, bob (I just had to polish it out was so tarnished...) in perfect condition, weights with knurled tops, also very nice, but a bit tarnished. This clock really stands out because everything is there! And all the glass is old and wavy.
Did I mention this case is in phenomenal condition? Well, it is. And, to provide the fitting crowning piece the maker gave us a lovely carved head - very nicely done and much more attractive (at least to me) than some of the gargoyles and the like gracing some of the Altdeutsche pieces.
If you like the darker, walnut hues and want a stunning example of the Altdeutsche period...
