VR-236 - Month-duration Austrian Serpentine timepiece
Long-duration Viennese wall clocks are the focus for most collectors of finer Vienna Regulators. This timepiece in its warm, honey-colored case combines the quality of a month-duration mechanism with the flowing lines of the serpentine style. And, while it is difficult to convey the size of these clocks, please note that this clock measures 52 inches form top to tail - it is an imposing piece.
While month-duration clocks are fairly common in the earlier periods, it is unusual to find long duration Serpentines - surprising then to find two in this auction. And, to find one a case in this nice of condition is an added treat! While the case would benefit from a good cleaning, the underlying quality shines thru the patina - the finish is original and in good shape. Note the complex bottom finial, the elaborate top treatment, the locking door with key, the old winding crank with wooden handle, the old wall stabilizers: This clock offers an excellent example of the serpentine style, and it is a month runner to boot.
The white porcelain dial is in very good condition with one hairline cracks to the chapter ring between the X and the XI, the pulley is exact the right size (note the weight lines hanging straight down, parrallel to each other - always a good sign that the pulley is the right size), the larger weight appropriate for a month runner, the bob with no dings, the lovely beat scale, and all of the glass appears to be old: A nice clock for someone looking for a special Serpentine.
It is important to remember that, while I do not go into a great deal of detail about the mechanisms, long duration Viennese clocks have some of the finest mechanisms ever made. These clocks run a month on a weight that would drive the nicer German clocks for a week. They have finer pivots, beautifully cast bridges (not the bent brass found in factory-made clocks): They really are a pleasure to work on, and have a such a quiet beat.
It is unusual to find serpentines like this one without pieces of the top trim missing - making this one a truly special find.
Read MoreWhile month-duration clocks are fairly common in the earlier periods, it is unusual to find long duration Serpentines - surprising then to find two in this auction. And, to find one a case in this nice of condition is an added treat! While the case would benefit from a good cleaning, the underlying quality shines thru the patina - the finish is original and in good shape. Note the complex bottom finial, the elaborate top treatment, the locking door with key, the old winding crank with wooden handle, the old wall stabilizers: This clock offers an excellent example of the serpentine style, and it is a month runner to boot.
The white porcelain dial is in very good condition with one hairline cracks to the chapter ring between the X and the XI, the pulley is exact the right size (note the weight lines hanging straight down, parrallel to each other - always a good sign that the pulley is the right size), the larger weight appropriate for a month runner, the bob with no dings, the lovely beat scale, and all of the glass appears to be old: A nice clock for someone looking for a special Serpentine.
It is important to remember that, while I do not go into a great deal of detail about the mechanisms, long duration Viennese clocks have some of the finest mechanisms ever made. These clocks run a month on a weight that would drive the nicer German clocks for a week. They have finer pivots, beautifully cast bridges (not the bent brass found in factory-made clocks): They really are a pleasure to work on, and have a such a quiet beat.
It is unusual to find serpentines like this one without pieces of the top trim missing - making this one a truly special find.
