VR-522 Altdeutsche Two Weight Vienna Regulator by Gustav Becker
This is an attractive and very original Vienna Regulator with unusually nice engraving to the dial, pendulum and weights. It would make an excellent first clock for a collector who would like to experience the quality of one of the better German makers.
The German movement is marked with the distinctive Becker circular trademarks, and is serial numbered 171193. Based on the trademarks, this clock comes from the Braunau, Bohemia Becker factory. The references 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. John Hubby’s research indicates that this clock was made in 1895.
As I shot this clock I noticed several rather nice features. The first is the engraving - beautifully done, a very different effect from the embossed pieces from the same period. It seems like older is better in about every way when it comes to clocks. In the case of this clock, engraving all the parts was a very time-consuming task - requiring specialized skills and tools. In comparison, clocks with embossed parts are very attractive, and were much easier to produce, being stamped out in special molds. Both styles have their beauty, but I am quite taken with fine engraving as demonstrated on this piece. An amusing point to note, if you look at the picture of the pendulum bob, at the 7 o’clock position, you will note that the engraver apparently was daydreaming a bit - the left hand element of the segment marker has a bit of a longer “nose”...
Speaking of details: If someone ever has to restore the chapter ring they will be thankful that all of the figures are recessed. The numbers, chapter markings and the gold-filled embellishments are all engraved. Restoration is so very much easier when all one has to do is fill engravings with wax or paint. Otherwise one must find a skilled calligrapher to replace the figures. Yes, a small point, nut think how much longer it took to engrave these figures as compared to just painting them on. These are the details that differentiate these clocks, the things I look for when buying.
While the case is in excellent condition, it is the base that really stands out. I am very pleased by the strongly contrasting grain and attractive figuring that shows so well in the photo’s of this clock. Note too the beat scale. While rather minor, I was struck by the color of the numerals and lines - they are actually bright copper colored when the light catches them just right. While not shown effectively in the photo, it is quite neat.
Being an earlier Becker this piece strikes on a coiled gong, giving a quiet, melodious strike. As can be seen from the photo’s, the dial is in excellent condition, though it will positively glow when cleaned. The dial has grommets to the winding holes, a nice touch that helps eliminate any damage to the surrounding 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 these earlier Beckers always had this, almost like they think the nuts will unwind or something). The pulleys are embossed, the clock has its original wall stabilizers, perfect pendulum bob with steel back, and truly perfect weights (ok, tarnished, but that goes away when you commission us to clean the mechanism. And the weights and bob are sealed with lacquer so they will continue to shine for many years!).
The mechanism is in good condition (no bushings, screws not mucked up), but dirty. The case is in very, very nice condition: With the addition of three bottom finials and a clean/wax, it would be stunning. As I have said often before, it is 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, its original finish in excellent condition, and all of the glass is old and wavy!
This very straight and correct Altdeutsche Vienna Regulator that would make an excellent addition to any collection.
Read MoreThe German movement is marked with the distinctive Becker circular trademarks, and is serial numbered 171193. Based on the trademarks, this clock comes from the Braunau, Bohemia Becker factory. The references 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. John Hubby’s research indicates that this clock was made in 1895.
As I shot this clock I noticed several rather nice features. The first is the engraving - beautifully done, a very different effect from the embossed pieces from the same period. It seems like older is better in about every way when it comes to clocks. In the case of this clock, engraving all the parts was a very time-consuming task - requiring specialized skills and tools. In comparison, clocks with embossed parts are very attractive, and were much easier to produce, being stamped out in special molds. Both styles have their beauty, but I am quite taken with fine engraving as demonstrated on this piece. An amusing point to note, if you look at the picture of the pendulum bob, at the 7 o’clock position, you will note that the engraver apparently was daydreaming a bit - the left hand element of the segment marker has a bit of a longer “nose”...
Speaking of details: If someone ever has to restore the chapter ring they will be thankful that all of the figures are recessed. The numbers, chapter markings and the gold-filled embellishments are all engraved. Restoration is so very much easier when all one has to do is fill engravings with wax or paint. Otherwise one must find a skilled calligrapher to replace the figures. Yes, a small point, nut think how much longer it took to engrave these figures as compared to just painting them on. These are the details that differentiate these clocks, the things I look for when buying.
While the case is in excellent condition, it is the base that really stands out. I am very pleased by the strongly contrasting grain and attractive figuring that shows so well in the photo’s of this clock. Note too the beat scale. While rather minor, I was struck by the color of the numerals and lines - they are actually bright copper colored when the light catches them just right. While not shown effectively in the photo, it is quite neat.
Being an earlier Becker this piece strikes on a coiled gong, giving a quiet, melodious strike. As can be seen from the photo’s, the dial is in excellent condition, though it will positively glow when cleaned. The dial has grommets to the winding holes, a nice touch that helps eliminate any damage to the surrounding 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 these earlier Beckers always had this, almost like they think the nuts will unwind or something). The pulleys are embossed, the clock has its original wall stabilizers, perfect pendulum bob with steel back, and truly perfect weights (ok, tarnished, but that goes away when you commission us to clean the mechanism. And the weights and bob are sealed with lacquer so they will continue to shine for many years!).
The mechanism is in good condition (no bushings, screws not mucked up), but dirty. The case is in very, very nice condition: With the addition of three bottom finials and a clean/wax, it would be stunning. As I have said often before, it is 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, its original finish in excellent condition, and all of the glass is old and wavy!
This very straight and correct Altdeutsche Vienna Regulator that would make an excellent addition to any collection.
