Augsburg Column Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1660 - 64
This Augsburg column clock, attributed to David Buschmann (1626-1701) and dated between 1660 and 1664, features a movement housed in a silver-plated cuboid case decorated with foliate engravings and ormolu appliques of winged herms and festoons.
The movement is a day-running type with chain and fusee, incorporating a cast-iron escapement and a striking mechanism on a bell controlled by a pierced lock plate. A round column rises from the base, entwined by a spiral band with small Cupid figures serving as hour indicators, while a small dial at the capital indicates the hours in Roman numerals. The clock is set upon a softwood stand veneered in tortoiseshell, configured like a miniature cabinet with two front drawers and ebonised wood mountings.
The silver-plated aperture ring above the case displays the date, month, and zodiac signs.
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
- Date
- around 1660 - 64
- Type
- Column clock
- Maker
- David Buschmann
- Movement
- Day-running with chain and fusee
- Materials
- Gilt and silver-plated brass, bronze, steel, iron, tortoiseshell, wood
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Base dimensions
- 58.2 cm height
- Maker / attribution
- David Buschmann
- Inscriptions on plaques
- CONTRA FERVNTVR, VNA FERVNTVR, SVPRA FERVNTVR, INFRA FERVNTVR
Design
- Visible features
- • Cuboid movement case with foliate engravings • Spiral column with Cupid hour indicator • Tortoiseshell veneered base with two drawers • Movement backplate with floral engraving and signature
- Case and Aesthetic
- The main movement housing consists of a silver-plated cuboid case embellished with foliate engravings. The corners of this case are mounted with ormolu appliques depicting winged herms, complemented by festoons. An aperture ring, also silver-plated, sits above this section to show the date, month, and zodiac signs. The entire structure rests on a base made of softwood, finished with tortoiseshell veneer and ebonised wood mountings. This base is shaped to resemble a small piece of furniture and includes two functional front drawers. This arrangement reflects a shift in period tastes toward cabinet furniture featuring integrated clock movements.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports specific losses and wear associated with the clock. These include damage to the upper hour indicator positioned on the column and the four figures of Cupid being loose, with one foot and one attribute currently missing. There are also reported minor losses to the tortoiseshell veneer. The attribution to David Buschmann relies on the identification of the work as a product of his Augsburg workshop. The Buschmann family developed a standardized range of objects, and similar column clocks have been documented by Klaus Maurice in the publication 'Die deutsche Räderuhr'.
- Movement and Construction
- The clock features a day-running movement powered by a chain and fusee. The striking mechanism operates via a lock plate characterized by pierced tendril decoration and sounds on a bell. The escapement is constructed of cast iron. The central column is designed with a spiral band featuring small figures of Cupid that indicate the hour. A secondary dial located at the capital of the column displays the hours using Roman numerals.
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: Damage to the upper hour indicator on the column
- Research required: Four Cupids described as loose with one attribute and one foot missing