VR-337 - Month Duration Floor-standing Granne-Sonnerie Vienna Regulator by Johann Salfer of Vienna
Salfer, a noted Viennese clockmaker, is acknowledged as a maker of high-quality clocks, including year-runners, precision regulators with compensating pendulums, and Vierteluhren (or quarter striking clocks, as in the present example): Johann also won a silver medal in the Vienna exhibition of 1880.
The mechanism, while it could use cleaned, is a beautiful example of the quality for which Viennese makers are justifiably noted. It is amazing to see the very finely made levers, racks and springs that make up the strike works of a clock of this caliber. And, while the dial chapter ring could be re-silvered, the gold plating to the dial center is in perfect condition and the hands beautifully sculpted. To my taste, the dial is in very acceptable condition, and, except for a mild cleaning, I would leave it as is.
The case is very solid, in excellent condition, with some of the finest carving I have seen on a Viennese piece - which is saying a lot. It is hard to believe that such a large clock can have such beautiful and delicate trim! I especially like the carved piece to the center of the base. Then there is the rather unusual shape, reminiscent of a Scottish drum-head clock, except, in the present example the hood door is all of a piece with the trunk door, unlike a drum head in which there is a drum-shaped hood that is separate from the trunk. None the less, the case is quite unusual and very well made.
Note the carved male bust to the crest of the hood, the rococo flourish to the dial surround, the elegant and understated carved applique to the door and base: This is the kind of a clock that you can spend a lot of time just studying the lovely case details!
And it is in exceptional condition. As with several of the clocks being offered in this auction, the patina and life of this case is a significant part of its appeal. If anything, I would only wax the case with a quality English paste wax to preserve the story told by the clocks patina. Clearly it has been well cared for during its long life.
The door glass is old, wavy, and has numerous small bubbles, the bob is quite heavy with its normal dings, the key original and very nice, the door lock has an original key and works smoothly, and the carving to the case adornments is truly wonderful. This clock makes a very elegant and imposing statement.
Read MoreThe mechanism, while it could use cleaned, is a beautiful example of the quality for which Viennese makers are justifiably noted. It is amazing to see the very finely made levers, racks and springs that make up the strike works of a clock of this caliber. And, while the dial chapter ring could be re-silvered, the gold plating to the dial center is in perfect condition and the hands beautifully sculpted. To my taste, the dial is in very acceptable condition, and, except for a mild cleaning, I would leave it as is.
The case is very solid, in excellent condition, with some of the finest carving I have seen on a Viennese piece - which is saying a lot. It is hard to believe that such a large clock can have such beautiful and delicate trim! I especially like the carved piece to the center of the base. Then there is the rather unusual shape, reminiscent of a Scottish drum-head clock, except, in the present example the hood door is all of a piece with the trunk door, unlike a drum head in which there is a drum-shaped hood that is separate from the trunk. None the less, the case is quite unusual and very well made.
Note the carved male bust to the crest of the hood, the rococo flourish to the dial surround, the elegant and understated carved applique to the door and base: This is the kind of a clock that you can spend a lot of time just studying the lovely case details!
And it is in exceptional condition. As with several of the clocks being offered in this auction, the patina and life of this case is a significant part of its appeal. If anything, I would only wax the case with a quality English paste wax to preserve the story told by the clocks patina. Clearly it has been well cared for during its long life.
The door glass is old, wavy, and has numerous small bubbles, the bob is quite heavy with its normal dings, the key original and very nice, the door lock has an original key and works smoothly, and the carving to the case adornments is truly wonderful. This clock makes a very elegant and imposing statement.
