A German Gilt Metal and Silvered Brass Table Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
First half 18th century
This German gilt metal and silvered brass horizontal table clock is attributed by the source to Johann Heinrich Naumann of Dresden and dated to the first half of the 18th century.
Raised on cast claw feet with a central lower drop finial, the drum-form case features pierced foliate scrollwork encircling the sides. The horizontal upper dial is enclosed beneath a domed glass crystal, showing Roman hour numerals, ornamental star-like half-hour markers, and an inner numbered disc. The auction house reports that the movement is a chain-driven single fusee mechanism with the works signed J.H. Naumann.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Table clock
- Movement
- Chain-driven single fusee movement, works signed J.H. Naumann
- Dimensions
- Height 3 x width 3 1/2 inches
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Johann Heinrich Naumann
- Maker attribution and origin
- Johann Heinrich Naumann, Dresden, First Half 18th Century
- Provenance note
- Sold to benefit the Acquisition Fund of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Design
- Visible features
- • Cylindrical drum case with applied or pierced scrollwork around the silvered and gilt side band • Horizontal top dial covered by a domed glass crystal • Dial features a wide Roman numeral chapter ring, pierced openwork inner ring, and a central numbered disc • Supported on ornate cast figural claw feet with a central spherical pendant finial underneath • Small hinge and opening push-pin visible at the front bezel
- Object Identity and Form
- This German table clock features a cylindrical drum-form case constructed of gilt metal and silvered brass. It is elevated on ornate cast figural claw feet, featuring a central spherical pendant finial on the underside. The horizontal dial, positioned on top, is protected by a domed glass crystal. The visible dial configuration includes a Roman numeral chapter ring, a pierced openwork inner ring, and a central numbered disc.
- Mechanism and Attribution
- The clock is attributed to the Dresden-based maker Johann Heinrich Naumann and is dated to the first half of the 18th century. The internal movement is reported by the auction source as a chain-driven single fusee mechanism, which the source states is signed 'J.H. Naumann'. The current functionality of the internal mechanism remains unverified; the auction house notes the clock lacks a winding key but reports that the works appear intact.
- Condition and Observations
- The top glass cover exhibits chipping along the edges, and the collar of the top assembly shows separation at the seam. A painted museum accession number is present on the underside of the clock. Access to the movement is facilitated by a front bezel hinge and opening push-pin.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
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: Internal movement is not visible in the provided image; fusee mechanism details and signature are source-reported.
- Research required: Source notes the clock lacks a winding key, exhibits chipping along the edges of the top glass cover, and has collar seam separation.