Biedermeier portal-form column clock with swan motif
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
probably Biedermeier
This portal-form column clock features an ebonised wood case supported by two white columns with gilded capitals and bases resting on a fluted rectangular plinth.
The upper stepped entablature displays decorative appliqués with foliate motifs and cresting. Positioned between the columns, a drum-shaped case holds a white dial with Arabic numerals, two winding apertures, and black hands. Beneath the movement case sits a carved and gilded ornament depicting two confronted swans framing a pierced pendulum bob. The movement features half-hour and hour striking on a gong, though functionality was not tested.
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
- Portal clock
- Dimensions
- 48 x 29 x 10 cm
- Case design
- Ebonised wood column clock in portal form with two white columns
- Decorative motif
- Carved wood swan element with gold-coloured finish below movement
- Striking mechanism
- Half-hour and hour strike on a gong
- Reported condition defect
- Missing dial glass cover
Design
- Visible features
- • Frontal view of black portal case with stepped pediment and foliate silver-tone appliqués. • White dial with Arabic numerals and twin winding apertures lacking a front protective glass. • Central gilded twin-swan carving framing a pierced openwork pendulum bob.
- Dial and Movement
- The clock movement is contained within a drum-shaped case with a silver-coloured bezel. The white dial features black Arabic numerals, a minute track, and two winding holes. The hands are black and exhibit a lozenge-shaped thickening. The clock includes a pendulum with a pierced round bob. The movement is described as having a half-hour and hour striking function on a gong. The source notes that the dial glass cover is missing and that the functionality of the movement has not been tested.
- Construction and Design
- This portal-form column clock features an ebonised wood structure resting on a fluted rectangular plinth. The architectural design includes two white, finely veined columns, topped with gold-coloured Corinthian capitals and matching bases situated on brass-coloured plinths. The upper assembly comprises a stepped entablature with fluted pier sections, lateral finials, and a curved central crest with scrolled ends. The front of the case is decorated with engraved appliqués displaying motifs such as palmettes, rosettes, leaf tendrils, and acanthus. A carved wood element with a gold-coloured finish, depicting two confronted swans, is positioned beneath the movement case to frame the pierced, round pendulum bob.
- Period and Source Notes
- The clock is categorized by the source as 'probably Biedermeier,' a style period associated with the Vienna region between 1820 and 1850. The auctioneer specifies that the condition, including signs of use and age, is to be regarded as normal for used items. The auctioneer explicitly disclaims liability regarding the function, completeness, or operability of mechanical devices.
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 movement function has not been tested.
- Research required: Rear movement and internal mechanisms are not depicted in the provided view.