VR-556 Late Biedermeier Vienna Regulator by Franz Wholfart
Oh my, what a lovely example of the late Biedermeier period! While Claterbos does not offer any insights into Herr Wholfart’s life, this clock makes it clear he was a talented clockmaker from the first half of the nineteenth century. The mechanism, though dirty, is an excellent example of the quality found in the 1840's - with all the watch-like precision for which Viennese makers are famous. And, while Franz was not residing in Vienna, his work makes it clear that his training was either in Vienna, for under a Viennese-trained master. But, in as much has he was from Linz, which is on the Danube river roughly 95 miles west of Vienna, he probably felt a bit like a “country cousin” compared to the makers of Vienna. Perhaps this is why we find such exquisite detail on this clock - because Franz was showing that he was “up to snuff” with his Viennese contemporaries. Or, perhaps he just didn’t have ready access, or the funds to buy the readily available bits and bobs available in Vienna. For whatever reason, I particularly like the wall stabilizers, very narrow, knurled weight hook washer, and the suspension hanger - just so perfect, clearly hand made, each very beautifully executed.
Why do I focus on such minor, small parts of a clock? Because this is were the maker shows his skill, where I can tell if the piece is average or truly a step beyond.
And, in the case of this mechanism, I also note that the screws are in near perfect condition, showing very little or no abuse so common even on the nicest pieces. In fact, I would assert the dial has never been taken apart! I truly believe that the dirtiest mechanisms have the best chance of being in great shape - probably both because of the preservative properties of a layer of soot from coal-fired stoves, and because they have not been worked on in the last 50 years.
Then there is the rosewood-veneered case. While the overall length is listed as 46 inches, remember that 8 of those inches are the top and bottom. Overall this is a very nice size - not a miniature, but smaller than the average. Sometimes I think the late Biedermeier makers competed to see how tough they could make their lives - focusing on cases that were thinner just to force themselves to make their mechanisms that much finer. This piece, in near perfect condition, is very thin, narrow, and elegant. I particularly noted how beautifully the maker sculpted the base, starting with its bowed top, curving down to a very thin valley before swelling back to encompass the tail.
Whilst I believe the top to be later, it does show numerous signs of repair, and goes with the overall style of the piece.
Details - the bob is brass backed and in lovely condition. The weight is very nice, though it has a nominal number of small dings, it does have a side that shows very well. Then there is the “pie-crust” bezel - wider, more ornate than most, and very finely chased. The gold plating on the bezel is still in excellent condition. The dial is perfect, with no hairlines, the hands amongst the finest you will ever see! Even the pulley stands out for its beautiful design and execution.
As one would hope in a piece from the late Biedermeier, this piece has a silvered beat-scale that slips in between the base and the backboard. Details like this are what make clocks truly special!
All of the glass is old, and wavy, and the case is in beautiful condition, the finish exquisite, with nothing needed before gracing your walls.
Read MoreWhy do I focus on such minor, small parts of a clock? Because this is were the maker shows his skill, where I can tell if the piece is average or truly a step beyond.
And, in the case of this mechanism, I also note that the screws are in near perfect condition, showing very little or no abuse so common even on the nicest pieces. In fact, I would assert the dial has never been taken apart! I truly believe that the dirtiest mechanisms have the best chance of being in great shape - probably both because of the preservative properties of a layer of soot from coal-fired stoves, and because they have not been worked on in the last 50 years.
Then there is the rosewood-veneered case. While the overall length is listed as 46 inches, remember that 8 of those inches are the top and bottom. Overall this is a very nice size - not a miniature, but smaller than the average. Sometimes I think the late Biedermeier makers competed to see how tough they could make their lives - focusing on cases that were thinner just to force themselves to make their mechanisms that much finer. This piece, in near perfect condition, is very thin, narrow, and elegant. I particularly noted how beautifully the maker sculpted the base, starting with its bowed top, curving down to a very thin valley before swelling back to encompass the tail.
Whilst I believe the top to be later, it does show numerous signs of repair, and goes with the overall style of the piece.
Details - the bob is brass backed and in lovely condition. The weight is very nice, though it has a nominal number of small dings, it does have a side that shows very well. Then there is the “pie-crust” bezel - wider, more ornate than most, and very finely chased. The gold plating on the bezel is still in excellent condition. The dial is perfect, with no hairlines, the hands amongst the finest you will ever see! Even the pulley stands out for its beautiful design and execution.
As one would hope in a piece from the late Biedermeier, this piece has a silvered beat-scale that slips in between the base and the backboard. Details like this are what make clocks truly special!
All of the glass is old, and wavy, and the case is in beautiful condition, the finish exquisite, with nothing needed before gracing your walls.
