VR-297 - Miniature Serpentine Vienna Regulator
It is hard to realize just how small this lovely little gem is. Measuring all of 16.5 inches long, you’d swear when you look at it on the wall that it is less than 12 inches long. And then to find one in this lovely of condition. The case work on this extremely small week-running timepiece is beautifully executed, with perfect miniature carved leaves to the top part of the door and the headpiece, it is just so very cute, perfect for that odd niche that looks empty without this little Vienna. And, as small, and as cute as it is, it is a week-running piece!
Usually small mechanisms like this use a tic/tac escapement. This little (1 5/8 x 2 inch) wonder has a single-piece dead-beat anchor, just like, but in miniature, other Viennese pieces. Beautifully machined gears and pinions, very small pivots, thick plates - every thing about this little clock speaks of quality, reminding one at every turn of a quality Viennese piece. When I work on these pieces I feel like I am working on a pocket watch - the mechanisms are that nice! And, it is running behind me. No, the mechanism is not freshly cleaned but it sure runs well.
Every feature of this clock is miniature - just look at the beat scale, the door hook, the hands and the lovely porcelain insert for the R/A pendulum! The dial is perfect with no hair-line cracks, the door glass has a lovely bubble in it, and the side glass is wavy!
Rick Ortenburger, in his classic and respected tome on Vienna Regulators (Vienna Regulators and Factory Clocks) includes pictures of several of these little gems. On pages 158 and 159 he shows two with very carved doors, like number 420 in this auction. He includes pictures of several other examples. Mr. Ortenburger indicated that the clocks were in a private collection. Here is another example of these very desirable miniatures. He ascribes the production of these clocks to the period of 1870 to 1890.
If you are looking for a wonderful, miniature timepiece, this clock, with its perfect little case may be what you are looking for.
Read MoreUsually small mechanisms like this use a tic/tac escapement. This little (1 5/8 x 2 inch) wonder has a single-piece dead-beat anchor, just like, but in miniature, other Viennese pieces. Beautifully machined gears and pinions, very small pivots, thick plates - every thing about this little clock speaks of quality, reminding one at every turn of a quality Viennese piece. When I work on these pieces I feel like I am working on a pocket watch - the mechanisms are that nice! And, it is running behind me. No, the mechanism is not freshly cleaned but it sure runs well.
Every feature of this clock is miniature - just look at the beat scale, the door hook, the hands and the lovely porcelain insert for the R/A pendulum! The dial is perfect with no hair-line cracks, the door glass has a lovely bubble in it, and the side glass is wavy!
Rick Ortenburger, in his classic and respected tome on Vienna Regulators (Vienna Regulators and Factory Clocks) includes pictures of several of these little gems. On pages 158 and 159 he shows two with very carved doors, like number 420 in this auction. He includes pictures of several other examples. Mr. Ortenburger indicated that the clocks were in a private collection. Here is another example of these very desirable miniatures. He ascribes the production of these clocks to the period of 1870 to 1890.
If you are looking for a wonderful, miniature timepiece, this clock, with its perfect little case may be what you are looking for.
