Mystery Clock with Female Figurine
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1910
Maker / issuer
JunghansThis mystery clock, dating to approximately 1910, is attributed to the manufacturer Junghans. Standing 34 cm tall, the clock comprises a spring-wound mechanism integrated into an ornamental display.
The primary structure is a metal sculpture of a female figure, created by the artist Franz Iffland, whose base bears the inscription 'F. Iffland'. The clock unit is suspended from the right hand of the figure on a horizontal support. The oscillation of the timepiece is achieved through a pendulum system; a small internal pendulum shifts the centre of gravity to produce motion, while a larger pendulum bob serves as a counterpoise for the mass of the clock housing.
The timekeeping mechanism is concealed within the frame of the timepiece, which is a characteristic feature of this category of clock. The piece was acquired by the museum through a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr. John Askew in 1933.
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 1910
- Type
- Mystery clock
- Maker
- Junghans
- Height
- 34 cm
- Sculptor
- Franz Iffland
- Acquisition
- Bequest from Mr John Askew
- Movement type
- Spring wound
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Junghans
- Registration Number
- ST 19431
Design
- Mechanism
- The clock is spring-wound. The mystery function relies on the concealment of the mechanism within the frame or border of the timepiece, which creates the visual effect that the clock is not powered by traditional means. To achieve oscillation, a small pendulum is located inside the clock body. This small pendulum moves the centre of gravity left and right, causing the entire clock to sway. The speed of this oscillation can be adjusted by altering the length of the pendulum.
- Visible features
- • Clock is held aloft by the right hand of a female figurine. • A spherical pendulum bob hangs below the clock dial. • The sculpture base is signed 'F. Iffland'. • Registration number 19431 is visible in the photograph.
- Construction and Design
- The object is a mystery clock designed to oscillate while held by a cast metal sculpture of a female figure. The clock is suspended from the figure's right hand via a horizontal support. The total height of the assembly is 34 cm. The sculpture is attributed to artist Franz Iffland, with the name 'F. Iffland' inscribed on the base. The timepiece features a dial suspended above an ornamental frame that incorporates a large, spherical pendulum bob which acts as a counterpoise for the overall mass of the clock.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The object is recorded under the registration number ST 19431. It was brought into the collection of the museum via a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr. John Askew, dated 27 June 1933. The manufacturer is listed as possibly Junghans, with an associated date of circa 1910. The museum categorizes the item under Science & Measurement and Horology.
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 attribution to Junghans is stated as a possibility rather than a certainty.
- Research required: The exact internal arrangement of the concealment mechanism is not externally visible.