Anonymous, South German, circa 1610. Extremely rare small weight-driven tower clock with striking and original balance wheel escapement. | Important Wristwatches, Watches & Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 17th October 1992

Important Wristwatches, Watches & Clocks

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 17, 1992

LOT 348

Anonymous, South German, circa 1610. Extremely rare small weight-driven tower clock with striking and original balance wheel escapement.

CHF 10,000 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 13,800

C. GiIt-brass sides, the dial plate and doors engraved with C scrolls and fruit on a matted ground, the back with suspension ring, embossed copper-gilt skin with similar engraving, on four bun feet and surmounted by the bell with decorative strap and four balluster -turned finials. D. Engraved Roman and Arabic numerals calibrated I-XII, 13-Z4, centred with a sunburst. Single steel hand. M. All iron with Iantern frame, simple octagonal blued pillars, three-wheel going-train with plain balance (now brass), without spring. Simple S pattern cock. Hour-striking with steel locking plate. In good condition. Dims. 170 x 86 mm.

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Notes

Clocks surviving from this period with their original escapements are exceptionally rare. Although reconversion back to balance wheel from a later pendulum is generally accepted, if only on aesthetic grounds, it is nevertheless of considerable interest to see original parts. The crown wheel on this clock has every sign of being correct, although the balance is now of brass, and the bristle regulator has gone.