Jacob Zech Astronomical Table Clock for King Sigismund I
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1525
This Renaissance drum-shaped astronomical table clock was crafted in Prague by Jacob Zech in 1525, reportedly carrying a Latin inscription translated as 'In the year 1525 Jacob Zech made me in Prague – it is true.' According to the source, it was commissioned for King Sigismund I of Poland and currently belongs to the Society of Antiquaries of London, where it is considered the earliest dated astronomical table clock in England.
The clock features an engraved cylindrical gilt or brass case decorated with elaborate scrolling foliate motifs and heraldic arms, topped by an astronomical dial plate with touch pins.
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
- Astronomical table clock
- Commission
- King Sigismund I of Poland
- Place recorded
- Czech Republic
- Current Repository
- Society of Antiquaries of London
- Maker / attribution
- Jacob Zech
- Maker and Creation Year
- Jacob Zech, 1525
- Latin Inscription Translation
- In the year 1525 Jacob Zech made me in Prague – it is true.
Design
- Visible features
- • Cylindrical brass or gilt-metal drum-style case engraved with intricate scrolling foliage. • Prominent heraldic shield on the case side depicting an undulating serpent device surmounted by a crown. • Horizontal top dial plate engraved with astronomical markings, zodiac/astrological details, and hour divisions marked by raised touch pins. • Central revolving dial assembly with an extended arm ending in a circular disc pointer. • Part of an adjacent metal clockwork frame with cut gear wheels is visible at the lower right.
- Historical Attribution and Inscription
- According to the source documentation, this astronomical table clock was crafted in Prague in 1525 by Jacob Zech (also known as Jakub Čech). The text states that the clock bears a Latin inscription translated as: “In the year 1525 Jacob Zech made me in Prague – it is true.” The source reports that the piece was commissioned for King Sigismund I of Poland. It is stated to now belong to the Society of Antiquaries of London and is described as the earliest dated astronomical table clock in England.
- Dial Plate and Astronomical Indications
- The horizontal top dial plate is engraved with astronomical markings, zodiac/astrological details, and hour divisions marked by raised touch pins. At the center of the upper plate is a revolving dial assembly with an extended arm terminating in a circular disc pointer.
- Case Construction and Heraldic Decoration
- Visual observation indicates a cylindrical drum-style case of brass or gilt metal, engraved with intricate scrolling foliage. On the case side, an engraved heraldic shield depicts an undulating serpent device surmounted by a crown. A section of an adjacent metal clockwork frame with cut gear wheels is also visible in the lower right area of the image.
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 is a commercial brand history page rather than an institutional museum catalogue.
- Research required: All historical context regarding commission, maker inscription, and repository relies on the provided web page text.