VR-361 Month-duration Dachluhr by Franz Julisch in Wien
For many Vienna Regulator collectors the later dachluhren are the most desirable of the Viennese clocks. While maintaining the very simple lines of the earlier pieces they add flair and life with their wonderful variations on the original theme. And then, to find such a piece that is runs for a month - clocks like this one are a dream come true.
To truly appreciate this clock one has only to stand back and admire how it graces the wall. Or, one can come closer and note the details that make it so wonderful. One such detail is the canted sides to the door with their delicate pediment and base: While these are clear forbears of the columns that grace Transitional and Altdeutsche pieces, they are ever so refined, and subtle by comparison. Do note, though, that the edges of each of the canted sections is banded on the edges with contrasting wood - as are all of the window openings and the edges of just about everything else.
Then there is the ripple trim to the top of the base, the exquisite headpiece, the wall stabilizers with the largest knobs of any I have seen... I have included pictures of both ends of the pendulum rod because I think they are very nicely done - and unusual. Likewise, note the crutch pin plate - and how perfectly it fits the rod. And yes, as expected, the pendulum bob is brass backed, quite heavy, and in perfect condition. Even the winding key is special, with the lovely colors to the wooden knob and its unusual design.
Claterbos tells us that Franz Julisch was free of his apprenticeship to Franz Hoflinger in 1834, and a journeyman from 1843 to 1864, suggesting this piece was made toward the end of the Biedermeier period. This is supported by several features, including the gorgeous burled backboard - typically seen only in clocks made after around 1830. But, as befits a craftsman trained in the 1830's, this piece has the oh so desirable single piece dial and engine-turned bezel - both marks of the earlier, finer pieces.
The single thing that stands out for me about this clock is how untouched it was when it came to me. It is rare to find a piece with all of its original wood screws - a little thing, but so indicative of how little had been done to the clock. Another small point - some time in the past the weight cord broke and the weight added its stamp to the wood at the bottom-inside of case. The “print” in the wood exactly matches the diameter of this clocks weight. Again, a small thing, but these small things are what make a piece like this so wonderful.
Yes, you are correct, there is no glass in the case. This case is in the middle of being cleaned, but I felt it still needed to be included - just because it is such a phenomenal piece. But, note that all of the glass is old, wavy and bubbly. I just didn’t think a shot of a pile of glass would add much to the effort.
The mechanism is in good condition, but needs cleaned. Note the unusual beat-adjustment knob and the very large weight string hook to the bottom of the mechanism. The mechanism is probably fifty percent larger than its typical week-duration siblings, and is driven by a 3 pound weight that is also in near mint condition. Yes, only three pounds, less than needed to power most German week-duration pieces.
In today’s market, with many clocks being made to emulate these original pieces, it is very gratifying to be able to offer a piece of this caliber in this original of condition. Clocks like these are becoming very difficult to find, don’t pass on this one with the belief that a better deal will come your way: Original month-duration dachluhren have always been rare, they are now becoming an endangered species.
Read MoreTo truly appreciate this clock one has only to stand back and admire how it graces the wall. Or, one can come closer and note the details that make it so wonderful. One such detail is the canted sides to the door with their delicate pediment and base: While these are clear forbears of the columns that grace Transitional and Altdeutsche pieces, they are ever so refined, and subtle by comparison. Do note, though, that the edges of each of the canted sections is banded on the edges with contrasting wood - as are all of the window openings and the edges of just about everything else.
Then there is the ripple trim to the top of the base, the exquisite headpiece, the wall stabilizers with the largest knobs of any I have seen... I have included pictures of both ends of the pendulum rod because I think they are very nicely done - and unusual. Likewise, note the crutch pin plate - and how perfectly it fits the rod. And yes, as expected, the pendulum bob is brass backed, quite heavy, and in perfect condition. Even the winding key is special, with the lovely colors to the wooden knob and its unusual design.
Claterbos tells us that Franz Julisch was free of his apprenticeship to Franz Hoflinger in 1834, and a journeyman from 1843 to 1864, suggesting this piece was made toward the end of the Biedermeier period. This is supported by several features, including the gorgeous burled backboard - typically seen only in clocks made after around 1830. But, as befits a craftsman trained in the 1830's, this piece has the oh so desirable single piece dial and engine-turned bezel - both marks of the earlier, finer pieces.
The single thing that stands out for me about this clock is how untouched it was when it came to me. It is rare to find a piece with all of its original wood screws - a little thing, but so indicative of how little had been done to the clock. Another small point - some time in the past the weight cord broke and the weight added its stamp to the wood at the bottom-inside of case. The “print” in the wood exactly matches the diameter of this clocks weight. Again, a small thing, but these small things are what make a piece like this so wonderful.
Yes, you are correct, there is no glass in the case. This case is in the middle of being cleaned, but I felt it still needed to be included - just because it is such a phenomenal piece. But, note that all of the glass is old, wavy and bubbly. I just didn’t think a shot of a pile of glass would add much to the effort.
The mechanism is in good condition, but needs cleaned. Note the unusual beat-adjustment knob and the very large weight string hook to the bottom of the mechanism. The mechanism is probably fifty percent larger than its typical week-duration siblings, and is driven by a 3 pound weight that is also in near mint condition. Yes, only three pounds, less than needed to power most German week-duration pieces.
In today’s market, with many clocks being made to emulate these original pieces, it is very gratifying to be able to offer a piece of this caliber in this original of condition. Clocks like these are becoming very difficult to find, don’t pass on this one with the belief that a better deal will come your way: Original month-duration dachluhren have always been rare, they are now becoming an endangered species.
