VR-344 - Serpentine Vienna Regulator Timepiece by F. Effenberger, in Wien.
Claterbos tells us that Franz was listed as a clockmaker in 1880, was appointed a clockmaker to the royal court in 1916, and died in 1917. It appears that his father, also a Franz, was also appointed clockmaker to the royal court, in 1839. When I look at a clock like this, clearly a well made piece, I call to mind the title of Claterbos’ book “Viennese Clockmakers and What They Left Us”. In this case, Franz left us a lovely Serpentine timepiece, which we are lucky enough to receive in excellent condition.
With its perfect dial, hands that reflect the wonderful quality inherent to Viennese clocks, perfect little 5-spoke pulley, original, small and perfect beat scale, bob also in perfect condition, smaller than usual weight, and original wall stabilizers, this clock is truly in wonderful condition. And the mechanism is clean, and ran overnight after I hung it. If you look carefully at the photo of the beat scale you will note that even the pendulum saddle washer is knurled - gads, what attention to detail. Think about the last time that you saw a clock with so many parts that were correct, original, and in perfect condition! And the door glass is beautifully bubbled and very wavy.
Then there is the case, with the unusual finial to the base of the door. Whilst it is true that originally there were finials to the sides of the top, I don’t think the clock would look good with them - it is too much of a piece as it stands now. The finish on this piece is original, and in excellent condition. In fact, this clock has clearly not been exposed to the impact of direct sunlight over the course of its life. The colors are so wonderfully vibrant - so many of the clocks we find are muted, faded by the ultraviolet light from the sun. It is very refreshing to find a clock like this in its original glory. In fact, even if you are not interested in pursuing this piece, I would recommend you take the time to look at it when it is on display at the live auction - you won’t often see the original colors on a clock of this vintage.
Read MoreWith its perfect dial, hands that reflect the wonderful quality inherent to Viennese clocks, perfect little 5-spoke pulley, original, small and perfect beat scale, bob also in perfect condition, smaller than usual weight, and original wall stabilizers, this clock is truly in wonderful condition. And the mechanism is clean, and ran overnight after I hung it. If you look carefully at the photo of the beat scale you will note that even the pendulum saddle washer is knurled - gads, what attention to detail. Think about the last time that you saw a clock with so many parts that were correct, original, and in perfect condition! And the door glass is beautifully bubbled and very wavy.
Then there is the case, with the unusual finial to the base of the door. Whilst it is true that originally there were finials to the sides of the top, I don’t think the clock would look good with them - it is too much of a piece as it stands now. The finish on this piece is original, and in excellent condition. In fact, this clock has clearly not been exposed to the impact of direct sunlight over the course of its life. The colors are so wonderfully vibrant - so many of the clocks we find are muted, faded by the ultraviolet light from the sun. It is very refreshing to find a clock like this in its original glory. In fact, even if you are not interested in pursuing this piece, I would recommend you take the time to look at it when it is on display at the live auction - you won’t often see the original colors on a clock of this vintage.
