Fruitwood, walnut, veneered, partially ebonized, partially carved and gold painted, brass, gilt, glass, mirror glass, metal, alabaster
Austria, Vienna, c. 1830
Brass application inscribed ÂDEFLERÂ
Rectangular 30-hour movement, spring driven, lever escapement
Quarter hour strike on two spiral gongs, string suspension, pendulum with pierced bob
Skeletonized dial with figural automaton in the center, enamel-chapter ring with Arabic hour-markers, outer minute ring, bezel with vaulted glazing, blued steel hands
Movable automaton ÂSchmied und Schleifer (Âblacksmith and grinderÂ), repetition function, strike silent function
Triple glazed architectonic wooden case with four alabaster columns, brass applications, in chased brass Cupid and Psyche, eagle top piece and two female creatures
Winding key is included
Overall dimensions: c. 72.2 x 41.5 x 17.2 cm
Fully functional, good condition
Splendid mantel clock and precious item of Viennese craftsmanship with refined automaton
The lush décor of this stately mantel clock, consisting of flora, figural and ornamental brass applications, alabaster columns and carved top parts, is not everything that make this clock so special. Additionally the dial is fitted with an automaton displaying the motif of blacksmith and a grinder (ÂSchmied und SchleiferÂ). The automatic figures of two angels are playing a work shop scene of a smith and a grinder according to the rhythm of the clockwork: On the right side we can see an angel grinding CupidÂs arrows, whereas the left one puts the finishing touches to them.
Condition:
The clock is in a good age-related condition. The veneer bears tension cracks in places, refitted wormy parts as well as bumps, blemishes and small scratches. The mirror is partially tarnished. The gold paint of the top parts has been renewed. The movement is overhauled, the fittings have recently been polished and the case was polished up. During in house testing the timepiece was fully functional; no guarantee on long term precision and regularity. The dimensions measure c. 72.2 x 41.5 x 17.2 cm.