Augsburg tortoiseshell veneer cabinet and clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 17th /early 18th C.
This large Baroque architectural cabinet clock features a case veneered in red tortoiseshell, palisander, and ebony on oak, embellished with ormolu mounts. Constructed in three primary tiers, the clock incorporates a breakfront plinth with a central drawer on octagonal bun feet, an open mirrored loggia with tin inlay tendrils, and a removable upper niche containing an ivory figure of Venus flanked by herm pilasters.
The central section displays a tin chapter ring with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute marks surrounding an engraved gilt center. The source reports an eight-day movement with verge escapement, pear-form pendulum, and striking/repeating mechanism.
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
- Architectural cabinet clock
- Materials
- Tortoiseshell, palisander, and ebony veneer on oak; ormolu mountings
- Dimensions
- H 135.5, W 106.5, D 44 cm
- Attribution
- Workshop of Heinrich Eichler the Elder
- Movement type
- Eight-day movement with verge escapement and pear-form pendulum
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Dial description
- Tin dial with large Roman and smaller Arabic numerals
- Maker / attribution
- Workshop of Heinrich Eichler the Elder (attributed)
Design
- Visible features
- • Red-and-black tortoiseshell veneer paired with stepped ripple moldings and gilt bronze capitals, mounts, and finials. • Central arcade/loggia supported by paired red tortoiseshell-clad columns showing an open view to the mirrored interior. • Circular metal chapter ring with pierced and sculpted blued or dark metal hands and three winding arbors.
- Case Construction
- This architectural cabinet clock, dating to the late 17th or early 18th century, features a case constructed of oak veneered in red tortoiseshell, palisander, and ebony. The design comprises three sections, including a breakfront plinth with a central drawer resting on four octagonal bun feet. Above this sits a mirrored loggia adorned with tin inlay tendrils. The clock is designed for frontal viewing; the source states the back is not veneered, indicating it was intended to be positioned against a wall. The structure includes a removable upper section featuring an ivory figure of Venus with a dolphin in a crowning niche, flanked by two herm pilasters.
- Dial and Movement
- The central section contains a tin dial with large Roman and smaller Arabic numerals. The clock is equipped with an eight-day movement featuring a verge escapement and a pear-form pendulum. It includes an indirect half-hourly striking mechanism and hourly striking to a bell, with a repetition function on one side. The source notes that the movement includes curved baluster columns.
- Attribution and Condition
- The cabinet is attributed to the workshop of Heinrich Eichler the Elder. This attribution is based on research by Christine Kowalski, who connected the case type to designs found in the Augsburg Museum graphics collection inscribed 'Henricum Eichler Aug.' The source records that several elements are replacements, including the bell, the ivory sculpture, and the vase finial. Additionally, the pendulum movement is thought to be a replacement, and the tail of the dolphin accompanying the Venus figure is broken.
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: Source notes the pendulum movement is thought to be replaced.
- Research required: Certain decorative and functional elements are noted as replacements, including the bell, the ivory sculpture, and the vase finial, with damage to the dolphin's tail.