VR-139 - Beidermeier period week-running Viennese 3-lite timepiece by Josef Rammel in Wien
Claterbos lists Josef as a Meister in 1843, a Burger the same year, and still around in 1852. This time frame, the mid to late Biedermeier, fits perfectly the clock that bears his name: A time of restrained, but glorious decoration to complement the austere dignity of the underlying case style.
This is truly a stunning piece. From its single-piece milk-glass dial with blue numerals and gold fleur-de-lis to the beautifully executed trim, this clock is in perfect, original condition. Interesting items worth noting: The rounded top behind the lovely headpiece, the unusual wall-stabilizer plates, the brass beat-scale that slides in between the case backboard and the bottom of the inside of the clock, the perfect brass-backed pendulum bob, the beautifully executed, very fine 5-spoke pulley, the very small weight (in very nice condition), the canted door edges with banding around the angled corners... Yes, I like this clock, and could go on and on about the details that thrill my eye. Please look at the pictures, they really are worth more than my poor attempts at describing this piece.
All of the glass is old and wavy, the finish is original and very, very nice, the trim is amazingly complete, everything you would hope for in a clock this nice.
The milk-glass dial, while pretty clean, shows signs of its long life. And, if you hold the dial just right to the light you can make out two very fine cracks. None the less, the dial looks perfect. Then there are the hands, exceedingly fine and narrow, a sign of a maker who cared about all the details.
The mechanism is dirty, but clearly in very good condition. And the clock comes with a nice old, wood-handled key!
Read MoreThis is truly a stunning piece. From its single-piece milk-glass dial with blue numerals and gold fleur-de-lis to the beautifully executed trim, this clock is in perfect, original condition. Interesting items worth noting: The rounded top behind the lovely headpiece, the unusual wall-stabilizer plates, the brass beat-scale that slides in between the case backboard and the bottom of the inside of the clock, the perfect brass-backed pendulum bob, the beautifully executed, very fine 5-spoke pulley, the very small weight (in very nice condition), the canted door edges with banding around the angled corners... Yes, I like this clock, and could go on and on about the details that thrill my eye. Please look at the pictures, they really are worth more than my poor attempts at describing this piece.
All of the glass is old and wavy, the finish is original and very, very nice, the trim is amazingly complete, everything you would hope for in a clock this nice.
The milk-glass dial, while pretty clean, shows signs of its long life. And, if you hold the dial just right to the light you can make out two very fine cracks. None the less, the dial looks perfect. Then there are the hands, exceedingly fine and narrow, a sign of a maker who cared about all the details.
The mechanism is dirty, but clearly in very good condition. And the clock comes with a nice old, wood-handled key!
