Augsburg gilt and engraved brass tower clock (Tischuhr)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 16th century
This late 16th-century German table clock (Tischuhr) features an architectural tower-form case of gilt and engraved brass. The structure is surmounted by a sculpted figure of Hercules atop a domed cupola over an arched colonnade concealing the bell.
Supported by fluted Corinthian corner columns on a spreading base, the case features engraved urns, foliage, and strapwork. The main dial has a Roman chapter ring with twelve touch pins for night reading, an inner 13-to-24 Arabic hour ring, and a central alarm-setting disc. Source documentation describes a spring-driven movement with verge escapement, un-sprung balance, twin chain fusees, and countwheel strike.
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
- Tower clock (tischuhr)
- Height
- 27 cm (11 in)
- Escapement
- Verge escapement with un-sprung balance
- Dial Features
- Roman ring with tactile touch pins and inner 13-24 hour track
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Countwheel Indicator
- Rear 2-inch numbered disc
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt brass tower-style case surmounted by a standing finial figure holding a club. • Cupola with an open colonnade resting over Corinthian corner columns. • Circular engraved dial plate bearing concentric Roman and Arabic numeral tracks.
- Case Construction
- The clock is housed in an architectural tower-form case made of gilt and engraved brass. It features a spreading foot, with each corner of the flared base containing an un-threaded hole at the far tip. The structure is supported by fluted Corinthian columns set on pedestal bases. The upper section consists of a colonnade of Roman arches concealing the bell, surmounted by a repoussé cupola and a figure of Hercules holding his club and the Hesperides. The case is decorated with engraved urns, foliage, strapwork, and punched flowerheads and fruit.
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The 2.5-inch brass dial features a Roman chapter ring with twelve raised touch pins for night reading. The dial also includes an inner Arabic numeral track for the 13-24 hour period and a central alarm-setting disc. The movement is spring-driven with trains mounted one behind the other. It includes a chain fusee and a verge escapement with an un-sprung steel balance wheel. Documentation notes the front hand is a later replacement.
- Striking and Alarm Mechanism
- The rear of the clock features a 2-inch solid numbered countwheel with a scroll-engraved center, accompanied by a blued steel hand indicating the last hour struck. The clock strikes on a single bell. The strike train is powered by a separate chain fusee, and the alarm is wound independently from the right side. The crown wheel is noted as a possible old replacement.
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: The condition report notes that the front hand is a later replacement and the crown wheel may be an old replacement.
- Research required: Internal movement and rear countwheel dial are described in the text but not visible in the provided front-perspective image.