German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock (Tischuhr)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 16th century
This late 16th-century German tower clock, or Tischuhr, is housed in an architectural gilt and engraved brass case surmounted by a standing figure of Hercules holding his club and the Hesperides.
The case features a repoussé cupola above an arched colonnade concealing an internal bell, flanked by stop-fluted Corinthian columns on pedestal bases and engraved with strapwork, urns, and foliage. The 2.5-inch main dial incorporates a Roman chapter ring with twelve touch pins for night reading, an inner 13–24 Arabic hour ring, and a central alarm-setting disc. Its spring-driven movement uses chain fusees, a verge escapement with an un-sprung balance wheel, and countwheel striking.
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
- Table clock / Tower clock (Tischuhr)
- Height
- 27 cm (11 inches)
- Finial figure
- Standing figure of Hercules holding the Hesperides and his club
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Movement escapement
- Verge escapement with un-sprung steel balance wheel
- Tactile dial features
- Twelve raised touch pins for tactile reading at night
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt brass architectural case with extensively engraved and chased strapwork and foliate panels • Open arched colonnade below the dome concealing the bell • Surmounted by a cast gilt figure of Hercules standing atop the cupola • Fluted Corinthian corner columns resting on square pedestal bases above a wide spreading plinth • Winding aperture visible on the lower right flank for the alarm mechanism
- Movement and Functionality
- The movement is spring-driven with steel top and bottom plates connected by square-section posts. The going and strike trains are arranged sequentially, each utilizing a chain fusee. Timekeeping is regulated by a verge escapement with an un-sprung steel balance wheel on the top plate. The strike train utilizes a countwheel mechanism acting on a single bell, which also serves for the alarm. The alarm is wound from the right side. The source notes the clock is currently ticking, striking, and has an operational alarm.
- Dial and Timekeeping Features
- The main 2.5-inch brass dial features a Roman chapter ring equipped with twelve raised touch pins to facilitate tactile reading at night. The dial also displays an inner 13-24 hour Arabic numeral band and a central alarm-setting disc. The rear panel contains a 2-inch solid numbered countwheel with a scroll-engraved center, accompanied by a blued steel hand that indicates the hour of the last strike.
- Case Construction and Decoration
- The clock is housed in an architectural gilt brass case, identified by the source as an Augsburg 'Tischuhr'. The structure is supported by a spreading foot and features fluted Corinthian columns with pedestal bases at each corner. The upper section comprises a repoussé cupola and an arched colonnade that conceals an internal bell. The surface is ornamented with engraved strapwork, urns, and foliate panels, along with punched fruit and flowerheads. The top of the case features a cast gilt figure of Hercules shown holding his club and the Hesperides.
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: No maker's signature or workshop mark is documented in the auction catalogue
- Research required: Internal movement plates, countwheel, and rear panel are not visible from the frontal image