VR-532 Month duration Timepiece with beveled-glass enclosed mechanism by Ludwig Wirth in Wien
Claterbos tells us that Ludwig was listed at Rothenthurmstrasse 31 in Vienna in 1857. This would suggest that this exquisite, and fairly large timepiece was made during the earlier part of the Altdeutsche period, a fact that could also help explain the exquisite quality of the case and mechanism work.
Where to begin - the case, which exemplifies all of the best attributes of the Altdeutsche period, or the mechanism, which is wonderfully rare and unusual?
OK - the case first. Imposing, the kind of case that will make a room. As with the finer Viennese cases, the door columns are free-standing and fluted, with exquisitely-carved pediment and base in the Altdeutsche style. But oh what carvings - they are as nice as any I have seen. And, as with the rest of this piece, in perfect condition. Note the inset picture frames above and below the door columns, as well as to the top and base of the case - each serving to accentuate the burled veneer which they surround. In all I count 14 of these lovely trim elements - including triangular ones to the top corners of the door, as well as a rather unusual shaped one to the top of the base. Note too the perfectly inlaid burl veneer to the central section of the base, the carved finials to either side of the base, the key-locking door, with original key, the original beat scale, in perfect condition, the carved accent piece to the center of the top of the case: This clock epitomizes all that was great about during the Altdeutsche period. And yet, it does not come off as overly ornate, or over the top. It has a quiet elegance, perhaps due to its rather narrow overall proportions, as well as the very narrow columns to either side of the door.
In contrast to the elegance of the case, the mechanism is a study in simplicity. Except that it is encased in beveled glass. I guess that doesn’t make it quite as simple as could be.
The mechanism is a classic month duration Viennese mechanism, executed in a truly grand (as in large) style. With its single-piece Graham dead-beat escapement, massive plates (an eighth of an inch thick, measuring six by seven inches), mechanism pillars, four-post mechanism mount, oversized screws holding the plates together - it is clear that this mechanism was built to perform to an exacting standard. Note too the cage around the pendulum crutch - to keep if from getting pushed far enough to one side to possibly harm the escapement. And then there is the pulley... If heaven is in the details, this clock is already there.
Without even considering the beveled glass surrounding the mechanism.
The glass is, in the words of Bernhard, the gentleman in Salzburg who finds these lovely clocks, seldom seen. While I have seen several early piece with glass-encased mechanisms, I have never seen one from the second half of the nineteenth century. The glass is set in brass frames, the frames then held to the edges of the plates with thumb-screws. The pictures do not do the frames and glass justice. Of course, the fact that they are tarnished doesn’t help. It would be wonderful to be able to make the time to go through this piece, polishing up all the bits and bobs, lacquering the brass frames, and generally finishing it as appropriate for the museum piece that it is.
Right, I am quite taken with the clock.
Then there is the silver-plated ring set in the pendulum adjustment nut - with a blued pointer to facilitate adjusting the clocks rate. And the original key. And a flawless, lead filled, brass backed pendulum bob (rather heavy that) and weight. And old glass to the door and one side. I believe the other side is wavy, but can’t get my head between the clock next to it and this case to really tell.
The finish is in nearly perfect condition. I have to say nearly, because there are always exceedingly minor nicks and the like - this case is as nice as any I have sold. Though there are two very small pieces of trim missing, they will be replaced such that they will not be discernable when the clock is delivered.
And that is that. A wonderful, elegant case housing a phenomenal mechanism. What else can I add?
Read MoreWhere to begin - the case, which exemplifies all of the best attributes of the Altdeutsche period, or the mechanism, which is wonderfully rare and unusual?
OK - the case first. Imposing, the kind of case that will make a room. As with the finer Viennese cases, the door columns are free-standing and fluted, with exquisitely-carved pediment and base in the Altdeutsche style. But oh what carvings - they are as nice as any I have seen. And, as with the rest of this piece, in perfect condition. Note the inset picture frames above and below the door columns, as well as to the top and base of the case - each serving to accentuate the burled veneer which they surround. In all I count 14 of these lovely trim elements - including triangular ones to the top corners of the door, as well as a rather unusual shaped one to the top of the base. Note too the perfectly inlaid burl veneer to the central section of the base, the carved finials to either side of the base, the key-locking door, with original key, the original beat scale, in perfect condition, the carved accent piece to the center of the top of the case: This clock epitomizes all that was great about during the Altdeutsche period. And yet, it does not come off as overly ornate, or over the top. It has a quiet elegance, perhaps due to its rather narrow overall proportions, as well as the very narrow columns to either side of the door.
In contrast to the elegance of the case, the mechanism is a study in simplicity. Except that it is encased in beveled glass. I guess that doesn’t make it quite as simple as could be.
The mechanism is a classic month duration Viennese mechanism, executed in a truly grand (as in large) style. With its single-piece Graham dead-beat escapement, massive plates (an eighth of an inch thick, measuring six by seven inches), mechanism pillars, four-post mechanism mount, oversized screws holding the plates together - it is clear that this mechanism was built to perform to an exacting standard. Note too the cage around the pendulum crutch - to keep if from getting pushed far enough to one side to possibly harm the escapement. And then there is the pulley... If heaven is in the details, this clock is already there.
Without even considering the beveled glass surrounding the mechanism.
The glass is, in the words of Bernhard, the gentleman in Salzburg who finds these lovely clocks, seldom seen. While I have seen several early piece with glass-encased mechanisms, I have never seen one from the second half of the nineteenth century. The glass is set in brass frames, the frames then held to the edges of the plates with thumb-screws. The pictures do not do the frames and glass justice. Of course, the fact that they are tarnished doesn’t help. It would be wonderful to be able to make the time to go through this piece, polishing up all the bits and bobs, lacquering the brass frames, and generally finishing it as appropriate for the museum piece that it is.
Right, I am quite taken with the clock.
Then there is the silver-plated ring set in the pendulum adjustment nut - with a blued pointer to facilitate adjusting the clocks rate. And the original key. And a flawless, lead filled, brass backed pendulum bob (rather heavy that) and weight. And old glass to the door and one side. I believe the other side is wavy, but can’t get my head between the clock next to it and this case to really tell.
The finish is in nearly perfect condition. I have to say nearly, because there are always exceedingly minor nicks and the like - this case is as nice as any I have sold. Though there are two very small pieces of trim missing, they will be replaced such that they will not be discernable when the clock is delivered.
And that is that. A wonderful, elegant case housing a phenomenal mechanism. What else can I add?