VR-246 - Beidermeier period week-running Viennese 3-lite timepiece by Konrad Brodsky in Wien
Claterbos lists Konrad as a clock maker that was listed 1823 and 1836, and was made a Bürger in 1844. His shop was at Margarethenstrasse 36 in Vienna. The late Biedermeier period was marked by the increasing use of adornments and trim to enhance the complexity and visual appeal of the clocks. In this fairly small clock we see lovely carved pieces to the four corners of the door, and a very nicely made tail. Coupled with the visual impact of the wide and unusual piecrust bezel and rosewood veneer on the base, this clock is a pleasure to see. Overall this clocks case is in excellent condition, with the usual chips to the finish.
While there are a couple of hairline cracks to the center, the dial is otherwise in perfect condition, right down to the original name and a machined grommet for the winding hole. Then there are the hands with their delicate lines, filed arms, again, a sign of a maker who cared about all the details. One minor point that I notice when looking at hands from this period is the extension to the back of the minute. While it’s purpose is probably to counterbalance the main part of the hand, I have always found it to be very useful when changing the time. You can turn the minute hand half way around the dial with one end of the hand, then shift to the other end. This keeps one from disturbing the hour hand.
The door glass and both side glass are wavy and old and the mechanism is clean, and ran nicely when hung for pictures, though the weight line (monofilament) could afford to be replaced. And the clock comes with a nice old, brass-handled key!
Read MoreWhile there are a couple of hairline cracks to the center, the dial is otherwise in perfect condition, right down to the original name and a machined grommet for the winding hole. Then there are the hands with their delicate lines, filed arms, again, a sign of a maker who cared about all the details. One minor point that I notice when looking at hands from this period is the extension to the back of the minute. While it’s purpose is probably to counterbalance the main part of the hand, I have always found it to be very useful when changing the time. You can turn the minute hand half way around the dial with one end of the hand, then shift to the other end. This keeps one from disturbing the hour hand.
The door glass and both side glass are wavy and old and the mechanism is clean, and ran nicely when hung for pictures, though the weight line (monofilament) could afford to be replaced. And the clock comes with a nice old, brass-handled key!
R Miglin
on July 20, 2011Steve: I purchased this magnificent clock from you years ago and still love it ! It has never stopped or failed and keeps perfect time. It is truelly a showpiece. I received it in perfect condition, followed your easy directions of assembly and installation, and have enjoyed it ever since. I highly recommend you and any clock that you represent. I am hoping to be in a position to purchase another one from you sometime in the future. Thank you again, Bob Miglin