93rd Auction
2016/5/14
Lot 84
German, 76 mm, 257 g, circa 1880
A remarkable ornamental Historism period table clock in the form of a star, with expanding hands
Case: 14k gold/probably rock crystal. Dial: silver. Movm.: star form full plate movement, chain/fusee, verge escapement, brass balance, two worm wheels for balance spring and power reserve.
This table clock in the form of a star bears the French import marks for gold and silver from 1893. The gold case has been inlaid with faceted segments that are probably rock crystal. The base plate is lavishly decorated: a central medallion shows a couple, the outer parts are engraved with scrolls and rabbits; the silver dial is similarly ornamented. The minute band in the centre of the dial is oval with Arabic numerals, the inner hour track has Roman numerals. The minute hand moves along the band and indicates the time by a spring loaded arrow that expands and retracts.
The design of this miniature table clock is inspired by a famous timepiece with an expanding hour hand created by Henricus Jones in London and dating back to circa 1675. The oval dial shape and the expanding hand are almost identical, as is the adjustment of the balance spring with a grub screw. Even if this watch is actually a copy dating from the Neo-Renaissance period, it is still an exquisite example of fine watchmaking.
A remarkable ornamental Historism period table clock in the form of a star, with expanding hands
Case: 14k gold/probably rock crystal. Dial: silver. Movm.: star form full plate movement, chain/fusee, verge escapement, brass balance, two worm wheels for balance spring and power reserve.
This table clock in the form of a star bears the French import marks for gold and silver from 1893. The gold case has been inlaid with faceted segments that are probably rock crystal. The base plate is lavishly decorated: a central medallion shows a couple, the outer parts are engraved with scrolls and rabbits; the silver dial is similarly ornamented. The minute band in the centre of the dial is oval with Arabic numerals, the inner hour track has Roman numerals. The minute hand moves along the band and indicates the time by a spring loaded arrow that expands and retracts.
The design of this miniature table clock is inspired by a famous timepiece with an expanding hour hand created by Henricus Jones in London and dating back to circa 1675. The oval dial shape and the expanding hand are almost identical, as is the adjustment of the balance spring with a grub screw. Even if this watch is actually a copy dating from the Neo-Renaissance period, it is still an exquisite example of fine watchmaking.
estimated
10.000—15.000 €
Price realized
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