Biedermeier Portal Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This Biedermeier-period portal clock, attributed to the maker M. Müller & Sohn of Vienna and dating to circa 1850, is a table clock constructed in an architectural style.
The case is finished in blackened wood and features four alabaster columns supported by brass shoes, accented with brass capitals and mother-of-pearl appliqués. The pediment includes a glass-fronted section housing a small figure of a reclining philosopher. The clock face is a white enameled dial featuring Roman numerals for timekeeping. It is equipped with a brass pendulum that displays guilloché decoration. The movement provides a half-hour strike mechanism sounding on a gong.
The overall dimensions are approximately 47 x 30.3 x 11 cm. The clock is supplied with its winding key and is described as being in working condition, though it shows signs of age-related wear including minor losses on the dial and the absence of a rear decorative strip.
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
- circa 1850
- Type
- Portal clock
- Maker
- M. Müller & Sohn
- Location
- Vienna
- Material
- Blackened wood, alabaster, brass
- Condition
- Working with specified wear
- Mechanism
- Half-hour strike on gong
- Dimensions
- 47 x 30.3 x 11 cm
- Place recorded
- Austria
- Maker / attribution
- M. Müller & Sohn
Design
- Visible features
- • Four alabaster columns with brass bases and capitals • Reclining philosopher figure housed within the pediment • Guilloché-decorated brass pendulum • Enamel dial with two winding holes
- Dial and Movement
- The time is displayed on a white enameled dial featuring Roman numerals for the hour indices. The movement is explicitly signed "M. Müller & Sohn Wien," identifying the maker of the mechanism. The striking function of the clock is designed to execute a half-hour strike on an internal gong. A brass pendulum is visible within the portal space, which features a guilloché pattern. The movement is accompanied by its original winding key. The auction description reports that the clock is currently in running order, although there are minor chips present on the enamel dial specifically located around the winding holes.
- Provenance and Condition
- The object is cataloged as Lot 567 by Kunst- und Auktionshaus Quedlinburg. The current condition is documented as age-appropriate, reflecting the expected wear for an object of this era. The description explicitly mentions the loss of a rear decorative strip as a notable issue alongside the dial damage near the winding points. While the clock is verified to be in working order, no history regarding previous ownership or internal restoration is provided by the source.
- Architectural Case Construction
- The table clock follows the traditional Biedermeier portal design, characterized by an architectural form constructed from blackened wood. The structure is supported by four vertical alabaster columns, which are set into brass shoes and surmounted by brass capitals. The upper portion, or pediment, features an integrated glass viewing window, behind which sits a sculptural figure of a reclining philosopher, a common decorative element in this style of Viennese timekeeper. Additional decorative detail is provided through the application of mother-of-pearl throughout the case. Despite its age, the clock retains its structural form, measuring 47 centimeters in height, 30.3 centimeters in width, and 11 centimeters in depth. The auction description notes that one rear decorative strip is missing, though the primary architectural features remain intact.
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: Absence of one rear decorative strip
- Research required: Minor chips around dial winding holes