VR-531 Dwarf Serpentine two weight Vienna Regulator by Jacob Weber in Wien
The quality of this small clocks case and mechanism tells us that Jacob was a maker who clearly was better than the average, even in Vienna, which is known for the very high quality of their clocks. Claterbos tells us that Jacob became a master clockmaker in 1847, in 1852 was living at Rothenthurmstrasse 728, and was no longer registered in 1893.
Part of my attraction to the shorter, miniature or dwarf pieces, is the caliber of mechanisms that can run a week on a short weight drop. This mechanism is clearly a very nicely made Viennese piece with all of the attributes of a Viennese movement, including very fine pivots, a single piece anchor (one of the finest, and narrowest that I have seen), and the absolutely perfect wheel-work for which the Viennese are famous. While the mechanism is clean, it is not polished, and does have fairly new gut for weight lines. The dial is also in near-perfect condition, with very faint hair-line cracks that would disappear when the dial is properly cleaned. The hands are as would be expected, very nicely pierced, with edges that have been beveled one of many hall-marks of a better maker. And, the bob and weights (short, squat, perfect for this shorter clock) are in perfect, if tarniches condition. Note too that the mechanism, case mounting plate, and pendulum are all serial numbered 28469 a very nice, and very unusual feature.
While the mechanism is the heart and soul of this lovely piece, the case is its crowing glory. I have previously had two cases like this one, cases which were obviously the product of a shop that specialized in making very fine furniture. When you look at most serpentines you find that the case is very similar to the case of most Vienna Regulators, with a flat bottom and top to the inside of the case. The serpentine aspect is derived predominantly from the door. In effect, the normal serpentine is a conventional case with a different door treatment.
In comparison, this little gem is made to be a serpentine. Think about how much harder it is to make a case with the top and bottom of the inside curved to match the "serpentine" curve of the top and the bottom of the door. As I look at the picture of the inside bottom of the case I am struck, firstly by the perfect condition of the original finish, and the striking figuring in the wood. Not only is the case well made, but it is made from beautifully figured wood. I also note how very unusual the bottom looks, with the dip to the center of the base. Needless to say, the top is the same (only inverted) and the door fits perfectly into these curves. This is a case that really speaks for itself the beautifully executed carved corners of the door (which has a functional key lock, another sign of quality), the strips holding in the door and side glass, not just wooden strips though, no, these are finished as nicely as the case. Dusty yes, but the finish is in wonderful, original, untouched condition.
This is one of those cases that you just want to stroke - the finish is so perfect. And, the glass to both sides of the case is old, though the door glass appears to be later.
Read MorePart of my attraction to the shorter, miniature or dwarf pieces, is the caliber of mechanisms that can run a week on a short weight drop. This mechanism is clearly a very nicely made Viennese piece with all of the attributes of a Viennese movement, including very fine pivots, a single piece anchor (one of the finest, and narrowest that I have seen), and the absolutely perfect wheel-work for which the Viennese are famous. While the mechanism is clean, it is not polished, and does have fairly new gut for weight lines. The dial is also in near-perfect condition, with very faint hair-line cracks that would disappear when the dial is properly cleaned. The hands are as would be expected, very nicely pierced, with edges that have been beveled one of many hall-marks of a better maker. And, the bob and weights (short, squat, perfect for this shorter clock) are in perfect, if tarniches condition. Note too that the mechanism, case mounting plate, and pendulum are all serial numbered 28469 a very nice, and very unusual feature.
While the mechanism is the heart and soul of this lovely piece, the case is its crowing glory. I have previously had two cases like this one, cases which were obviously the product of a shop that specialized in making very fine furniture. When you look at most serpentines you find that the case is very similar to the case of most Vienna Regulators, with a flat bottom and top to the inside of the case. The serpentine aspect is derived predominantly from the door. In effect, the normal serpentine is a conventional case with a different door treatment.
In comparison, this little gem is made to be a serpentine. Think about how much harder it is to make a case with the top and bottom of the inside curved to match the "serpentine" curve of the top and the bottom of the door. As I look at the picture of the inside bottom of the case I am struck, firstly by the perfect condition of the original finish, and the striking figuring in the wood. Not only is the case well made, but it is made from beautifully figured wood. I also note how very unusual the bottom looks, with the dip to the center of the base. Needless to say, the top is the same (only inverted) and the door fits perfectly into these curves. This is a case that really speaks for itself the beautifully executed carved corners of the door (which has a functional key lock, another sign of quality), the strips holding in the door and side glass, not just wooden strips though, no, these are finished as nicely as the case. Dusty yes, but the finish is in wonderful, original, untouched condition.
This is one of those cases that you just want to stroke - the finish is so perfect. And, the glass to both sides of the case is old, though the door glass appears to be later.
