Kienzle Art Deco World Desk Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
20th Century
The piece features a central, light-colored dial printed with a stylized golden world map, which displays geographical locations alongside hour markers. The clock incorporates a separate 24-hour track at the bottom of the dial, designed for tracking different time zones.
The primary time display is indicated by central gold-toned hands, while the circular case is mounted upon a rectangular, stepped brass stand. The overall construction utilizes a brass finish, with the dial surface protected by a circular glass crystal. The manufacturer's signature, "Kienzle," is printed on the upper portion of the dial. The dimensions of the piece are recorded as 11.25 inches in height, 10 inches in width, and 2.75 inches in depth.
The object is reported to be in good condition with minor wear noted to the metal surfaces.
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
- World desk clock
- Maker
- Kienzle
- Country
- Germany
- Designer
- Heinrich Moller
- Condition
- Good with minor wear to metal
- Dimensions
- 11.25 in h x 10 in w x 2.75 in d
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Heinrich Moller for Kienzle
Design
- Visible features
- • Applied metallic hour markers in Roman numerals • A 24-hour graduated sub-dial located at the 6 o'clock position • World map graphic with labelled cities such as Fairbanks, Chicago, and New York • Rectangular stepped pedestal base
- Case and Dial Design
- The clock is housed in a circular brass frame, which encases a light-toned dial. A prominent feature of the dial is the gilded world map illustration, which includes various international city names printed at specific coordinates to facilitate time zone orientation. The dial is punctuated by applied Roman numeral hour indices placed around the periphery. A distinct 24-hour dial is integrated into the lower portion of the face, appearing as a curved track that aligns with the global map graphic. This secondary function allows for the tracking of time across various regions. The entire assembly rests upon a rectangular, stepped brass plinth, which provides a weighted support for the circular clock head.
- Condition and Dimensions
- The auction description indicates that the overall state of the object is good. The seller notes that there is some minor wear to the metal surfaces, consistent with the age and use of a brass desk piece. The scale of the clock is documented at 11.25 inches in height by 10 inches in width, with a depth of 2.75 inches. This size is representative of a decorative desk-sized timekeeper, intended to be placed on a flat surface. The photos show the brass finish and the alignment of the hands and dial graphics against the casing.
- Signatures and Attribution
- The object is identified by the auction source as being designed by Heinrich Moller for the Kienzle firm. The dial face clearly exhibits the manufacturer's branding, identifying the maker as Kienzle. The dial also features a marking stating the country of origin. This serves as the primary evidence linking the manufacturing process to German production standards of the period. No additional serial numbers or factory codes are visible in the provided photographic evidence to further refine this attribution or define the specific production year.
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 specific date of production is not provided in the source
- Research required: The source attributes the design to Heinrich Moller without further supporting evidence