German (?) Tabernacle Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 16th century and later
Catalogued tentatively as German from the late 16th century and later, this tabernacle clock features an engraved metal case embellished on all sides, architectural corner columns, and an open top bell.
The visible panel shows a standing warrior in armour beneath an archway, framed by foliate columns on figural bases over flattened bun feet. According to the auction house, the timepiece is fitted with an added 8-day plate movement with an attached escapement, strikes the half hours on the external bell, and features a dial with Roman numerals. The lot is recorded as repaired and damaged.
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
- Tabernacle clock
- Movement
- 8-day plate movement with attached escapement
- Condition
- Damaged, repaired, movement added
- Dimensions
- 21 x 12 x 12 cm
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Dial description
- Dial with Roman numerals
- Striking mechanism
- Striking the half hours on an open bell
Design
- Visible features
- • A dome-shaped metal bell sits mounted on top of the case, decorated with leaf appliques and a finial. • The central engraved side panel depicts an armoured figure standing within an architectural arched perspective. • Corinthian-style corner columns featuring acanthus and relief masks flank the sides above a moulded base resting on turned bun feet.
- Identity and Attribution
- This timepiece is recorded by the auction house under the provisional classification of 'German (?), late 16th century and later'. The attribution to Germany is explicitly questioned in the catalog record, and the date span reflects later alterations to the piece. The object is described as a tabernacle clock measuring 21 x 12 x 12 cm. No maker's mark or signature is recorded in the source text.
- Case Design and Visible Decoration
- The catalog records 'Engraved decoration on all sides' across the exterior of the case. In visual observation, the corner uprights are configured as Corinthian-style corner columns featuring acanthus and relief masks, positioned above a moulded base resting on turned bun feet. The central engraved side panel depicts an armoured figure standing within an architectural arched perspective. Mounted on top of the case, a dome-shaped metal bell sits decorated with leaf appliques and a finial.
- Movement, Striking, and Condition Caveats
- The source describes the mechanism as an '8-day plate movement with attached escapement' configured for 'Striking the half hours on an open bell'. The dial is recorded as having Roman numerals, though it is located on an alternate face and is not visible in the provided side-angle photograph. The source reports the condition as 'Damaged, repaired, movement added', documenting that the movement is a later addition to the earlier structure.
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: The auction house marks the geographic attribution to Germany with a question mark.
- Research required: The catalog record specifically notes that the movement has been added later, and the clock is damaged and repaired.
- Research required: The Roman numeral dial mentioned in the source description is on another face and not visible in this side-angle photograph.