VR-314 - Biedermeier period Austrian Granne-Sonnerie Vienna Regulator by Bohm, in Wien
While it is possible to just make out the makers last name, the first escapes me. Claterbos indicates there are three possibilities, Anton (1846 to 1853), Jacob (1852 to 1858), Joachim (listed in 1850 and 1852). With its zinc-backed pendulum bob (very nice with no dimples, dings or creases), rather narrow chapter ring, wide bezel, very nice, but a little bit complex hands, I would tend to date this clock in the 1845 to 1855 period. So, all three are possible candidates.
Before going to the case, take a moment to notice the exquisite hands, with their rounded inner shafts, the very narrow circles of the hour hand, the unusual almost serpentine element of the minute hand - these really are works of art. With its very ornate and wide pie-crust bezel, and narrow chapter ring - this really is a lovely dial. The underlying mechanism is one typical for this period - very well made, in the Viennese tradition. And, while dusty and needing a good clean, the mechanism did strike when I hung weights.
The case clearly reflects the move away from the simplicity of the early Biedermeier. In fact, it offers a glimps of some early influences of the Transitional period, with the matching upper and lower finials to both sides of the door. The top of the case is rounded, as reflected by the door. Unusual, but very nicely done. In fact, that is the best overall description for this case - very nicely done, if a bit unusual. And wonderfully complete.
The case is in nice condition, with the normal number of finish scrapes to the edges - not distracting, but there are a number of small finish imperfections. Note the exquisite two-piece porcelain dial with no hairline cracks to the chapter ring, and only one to the dial center. Note too the very delicate machined winding hole grommets, the unusual, and very nice matching pulleys, unusual beat scale in excellent condition, original wall stabilizers with locking nuts and beautiful knurling to the knobs, old winding key and even a key lock for the door, with key - this really is a very beautiful example of the late Biedermeier period.
Your attention is called to the beautifully executed base, with its complex curves, and the matching and appropriate weights. One piece of side glass is old, while the door and other side piece looks to be later.
A beautiful example of the late Biedermeier with a most striking case!
Read MoreBefore going to the case, take a moment to notice the exquisite hands, with their rounded inner shafts, the very narrow circles of the hour hand, the unusual almost serpentine element of the minute hand - these really are works of art. With its very ornate and wide pie-crust bezel, and narrow chapter ring - this really is a lovely dial. The underlying mechanism is one typical for this period - very well made, in the Viennese tradition. And, while dusty and needing a good clean, the mechanism did strike when I hung weights.
The case clearly reflects the move away from the simplicity of the early Biedermeier. In fact, it offers a glimps of some early influences of the Transitional period, with the matching upper and lower finials to both sides of the door. The top of the case is rounded, as reflected by the door. Unusual, but very nicely done. In fact, that is the best overall description for this case - very nicely done, if a bit unusual. And wonderfully complete.
The case is in nice condition, with the normal number of finish scrapes to the edges - not distracting, but there are a number of small finish imperfections. Note the exquisite two-piece porcelain dial with no hairline cracks to the chapter ring, and only one to the dial center. Note too the very delicate machined winding hole grommets, the unusual, and very nice matching pulleys, unusual beat scale in excellent condition, original wall stabilizers with locking nuts and beautiful knurling to the knobs, old winding key and even a key lock for the door, with key - this really is a very beautiful example of the late Biedermeier period.
Your attention is called to the beautifully executed base, with its complex curves, and the matching and appropriate weights. One piece of side glass is old, while the door and other side piece looks to be later.
A beautiful example of the late Biedermeier with a most striking case!
