Franz Xaver Liebherr I Carillon Table Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1770
This carillon table clock is attributed to Franz Xaver Liebherr I of Immenstadt, dating to approximately 1770. The clock is housed in a rectangular, glazed case of painted and partially gilded wood, featuring four volute feet and a pedimented top with a curved profile.
Access is provided by hinged doors on the front and left side. The front plate of the brass movement is decorated with fire-gilded rocaille, floral, and shell motifs, surrounding a silvered chapter ring displaying Roman hour and Arabic minute numerals. The movement is powered by a key-wound mechanism with fixed spring barrels, offering a reported 30-hour power reserve. It incorporates a carillon system comprising ten bronze bells, sixteen hammers, and a selector for four melodies.
Timekeeping is regulated by a verge escapement with a cycloidal pendulum suspension. The back plate of the movement is signed "Xaveri Liebherr Im(m)enstatt".
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 1770
- Type
- Table clock
- Maker
- Franz Xaver Liebherr I
- Signature
- Xaveri Liebherr Im(m)enstatt
- Escapement
- Verge escapement with cycloidal suspension
- Power reserve
- 30 hours
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Case dimensions
- 59 x 57 x 25 cm
- Maker / attribution
- Franz Xaver Liebherr I
- Movement dimensions
- 44.5 x 36.5 x 15 cm
Design
- Case and Dial
- The table clock is enclosed within a rectangular case constructed from painted wood, featuring partial gilding and glazed panels. The design includes a curved, pedimented top and four prominent volute feet, contributing to its structural silhouette. Access to the internal mechanism is facilitated by hinged doors located on the front and left side of the case, allowing for maintenance and adjustment. The dial assembly is mounted on a brass plate adorned with fire-gilded rocaille, floral, and shell ornaments. A silvered ring is integrated into the center, indicating the hours using Roman numerals and the minutes using Arabic numerals.
- Visible features
- • Painted and partially gilded wooden case with volute feet • Silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals • Movement back plate signature: 'Xaveri Liebherr Im(m)enstatt' • Carillon mechanism with ten bells and sixteen hammers
- Signatures and Attribution
- The clock is attributed to Franz Xaver Liebherr I of Immenstadt, with a production date estimated around 1770. This attribution is based on records from Van Ham Kunstauktionen. The signature is found on the movement's back plate, where the inscription reads "Xaveri Liebherr Im(m)enstatt." The cataloguer notes that the source material for this listing includes a key for the locking mechanism. The authentication of the components and the operational status are not independently verified.
- Movement and Carillon Mechanism
- The movement is a brass, solid-plate construction designed for key-winding. It utilizes fixed spring barrels that provide an approximate 30-hour power reserve. The timekeeping is governed by a verge escapement, featuring a cycloidal pendulum suspension system. The clock features an integrated carillon, which utilizes ten bronze bells and sixteen hammers to produce four selectable melodies. The selection is managed via a position selector. The carillon is powered by a chain and fusee mechanism, including speed-regulating fans, a manual start via cord, and a sound-dampening feature using felt. The system produces melodies lasting approximately 20 to 30 seconds, depending on the spring force.
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: Service history and originality of all components cannot be verified from the source
- Research required: The source does not provide an independent condition report regarding mechanical function or timekeeping accuracy