Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhône, May 13, 2007

LOT 237

"Hexagonal Table Clock" Benedict Furstenfelder, Fridberg, No. 592. Made circa 1690. Very fine and very rare, carillon quarter-striking and repeating on three bells and an hour bell, three-train, gilt bronze and silvered table clock with calendar.

CHF 40,000 - 50,000

EUR 25,000 - 30,000 / USD 33,000 - 40,000

Sold: CHF 70,800

C. Hexagonal, on three turned feet, three turned finials, glazed side panels for viewing the movement, alternate finely pierced and engraved panels decorated with inhabited foliage, strapwork and a female mask, molded base and top, hinged base with aperture for the hour bell secured by a four-arm strap with turned steel screws. D. Silver with radial Roman numerals, leaf half-hour markers, outer minute track, Arabic five-minute numerals, the center with foliate decoration and signature cartouches, finely engraved foliate scroll border with apertures for the date, strike/silent and repeat indication. Blued steel "arrow" hands. M. Hexagonal gilt brass plates, fusee and chain for the going train, foliate engraved fixed barrel, three graduated bells and three hammers for the quarter-striking, foliate engraAved fixed barrel for the hour striking with an engraved dog's head hammer on the bell in the base, verge escapement, four-arm steel balance, short balance spring, single footed winged cock very finely engraved with stylized foliage and a female mask, similarly engraved backplate furniture, polished steel endplate, silver regulation dial. Dial and movement signed. Dim. 11.2 x 9.4 cm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

This is a particularly finely made table clock by a famous maker and in very good condition. The carillon quarter striking is on a nest of three bells within the movement and the hour bell is under the base.

Benedict Furstenfelder (Bendictus, Benedikt) (Firstenfeldr, Fuerstenfeldter, Friedenfelder)

Part of a watchmaking dynasty working from the late 16th century until the mid 18th century. See: "Meister der Uhrmacherkunst", Jurgen Abeler, 1977.