Recording Clock - W. Eppner
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This portable recording clock, measuring 5.5 cm in height and 8 cm in outside diameter, was produced in the late 19th century by Wilhelm Eppner of Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
The device is a spring-wound mechanism designed to monitor a watchman's rounds. The operator carried the clock to specific locations where keys were chained, using them to record the time of each inspection on the internal mechanism. The instrument is housed in a brass cylinder featuring a circular glass aperture, with a dial displaying Arabic numerals. The object includes three keys: two are handmade, while the third is cast and attributed to a later date.
The dial bears the inscription 'Eppner Revete S.G.D.G.', and the external case is stamped 'Lutz & Schulz, Buenos Ayres', indicating distribution in Argentina. The clock was acquired by Museums Victoria through a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr. John Askew in 1938.
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
- Watchman's recording clock
- Maker
- Wilhelm Eppner
- Origin
- Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland
- Dimensions
- 5.5 cm height, 8 cm diameter
- Provenance
- John Askew bequest 1938
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case Inscription
- Lutz & Schulz, Buenos Ayres
- Dial Inscription
- Eppner Revete S.G.D.G.
- Maker / attribution
- Wilhelm Eppner
Design
- Visible features
- • Cylindrical brass case construction • Circular glass display aperture • Arabic numerals on the dial • Integrated suspension ring at the top
- Construction and Design
- The recording clock consists of a cylindrical brass casing designed for portability. The device features a circular glass aperture that provides a view of the internal dial. The dial itself is calibrated with Arabic numerals to facilitate the reading of time during the watchman's inspection rounds. Its physical dimensions are 5.5 cm in height and 8 cm in outside diameter. The object is fitted with a suspension ring, allowing for ease of carry during professional use.
- Function and Components
- The clock was specifically utilized as a recording device for security personnel. The watchman carried the clock to designated sites where keys were chained; the act of inserting the key into the clock served to record the specific time of that inspection. The set includes three keys associated with the clock's operation. Regarding the keys, two are documented as handmade items, while the third key is noted as a cast, later addition. The clock was formally acquired by the museum via a bequest from John Askew in 1938.
- Signatures and Distribution
- The object displays two primary inscriptions that identify its manufacturing and distribution history. The dial is marked with 'Eppner Revete S.G.D.G.', a reference to the maker, Wilhelm Eppner of Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and the patent status of the design. The acronym S.G.D.G. indicates a French patent designation. The external brass case is stamped with the name 'Lutz & Schulz, Buenos Ayres'. This confirms that the instrument was handled by the distributor Lutz & Schulz, located in Argentina,
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 third key is identified as a later cast replacement
- Research required: Distributor association with Buenos Aires is specific to the stamping on the case