Portal clock with musical movement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1825
This portal clock, dating to approximately 1825, is signed "Carl Balzarek in Littau" on its enamel dial. The timepiece features an ebonized case accented with mother-of-pearl fittings and four alabaster columns.
It incorporates a three-train brass pendulum movement that performs a quarter-hour strike on two spiral springs and includes a repetition feature activated by a cord pull. The dial also displays a central date indication. Integrated into the base is a musical movement with a sectional comb featuring 64 teeth, arranged in groups of four, which plays two melodies. This musical mechanism is triggered hourly by the clockwork.
The clock is suspended with a long pendulum. As reported in the auction description, the clockwork mechanism and the musical movement are functional. The total height of the object is 25 inches (64 cm), and the piece is supplied with its keys.
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
- c. 1825
- Type
- Portal clock
- Maker
- Carl Balzarek in Littau
- Dimensions
- 25 inches
- Movement type
- Three-train brass pendulum
- Place recorded
- Czech Republic
- Musical movement
- Two-air, 64-tooth sectional comb
- Striking mechanism
- Quarter-hour strike on two spiral springs
- Maker / attribution
- Carl Balzarek
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is housed in an ebonized case, incorporating four alabaster columns as primary structural elements of the portal design. Decorative mother-of-pearl fittings are applied across the case exterior. The enamel dial features central date indication and is signed "Carl Balzarek in Littau". It is visible through the architectural framing of the columns, with a long pendulum suspended behind the dial in the central cavity.
- Visible features
- • Enamel dial with date indication • Musical comb with 64 teeth • Ebonized case with mother-of-pearl inlay • Four alabaster columns
- Movement and Musical Mechanism
- The clock is powered by a three-train brass pendulum movement. It includes a quarter-hour striking train operating on two spiral springs, as well as a repetition function activated via a cord pull. A musical movement is installed within the base, capable of playing two melodies. It features a sectional comb with 64 teeth, configured in groups of four, with the bass notes situated on the right side. The musical mechanism is activated on an hourly basis by the primary clockwork mechanism.
- Condition and Included Accessories
- The auction description notes that both the clockwork and the musical movement are currently in working order. The clock is provided with its winding keys, which are necessary for the operation of the distinct mechanical functions.
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: Operational state of clock and musical movement is not guaranteed for accuracy or duration
- Research required: Date attributed circa 1825 by the auction house