Clock, mystery clock, Mauthe, Germany, circa 1925
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1925
Mystery clock, made by Mauthe, Germany, circa 1925. Mystery clocks first appeared in Europe in the 19th century. They are named as such due to their mechanism not being clearly visible, the clock or watchface, often being transparent. The secret to the mystery clock is due to a fine craftsperson cleverly concealing the mechanism within the frame or border of the timepiece.
There are also examples where a clear mechanism is used in the clockface which at first is not easily detected. Consists of hands on an arbor between two round glass plates in octagonal metal frame. The hands are rotated by rings attached to ends. Movement in base. Clock face supported on column. Spring wound; dead beat pin pallet escapement.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 4
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- glass plates, octagonal metal frame
- Dimensions
- Overall Dimensions: 7.5 cm (Outside Diameter)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Mauthe
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Museums Victoria, Melbourne collection record for this single object (sentences kept verbatim apart from removed sale or rarity wording); how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Candidate id
- mv-370597
- Museum object name
- Mystery Clock - Mauthe, Germany, circa 1925
- Holding institution
- Museums Victoria, Melbourne
- Museum object number
- ST 19117
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference; this entry documents one recorded example.