Symphonion No. 25R Regulator Wall Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1895
The Symphonion No. 25R regulator wall clock, dating to approximately 1895, is an integrated timekeeping and musical device manufactured by Symphonion Musikwerke in Leipzig.
The clock is housed in a walnut case measuring 51 inches in height. It incorporates a Lenzkirch pendulum movement that provides timekeeping and hour strikes on a spiral gong. The musical component features 84 teeth across two music combs in a sublime harmony arrangement, designed to play 11 3/4-inch diameter discs. The musical mechanism can be triggered either automatically on the hour or manually at the user's discretion.
The object includes 28 discs. The auction description reports that the clock movement requires cleaning and adjustment, while the musical movement is in very good playing condition. The combined unit functions as both a wall-mounted timepiece and a disc-playing musical box.
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. 1895
- Type
- Regulator
- Maker
- Symphonion Musikwerke
- Model
- No. 25R
- Height
- 51 inches
- Case Material
- Walnut
- Clock Movement
- Lenzkirch
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Symphonion Musikwerke
- Included Accessories
- 28 discs
- Musical Comb Configuration
- 84 teeth
Design
- Visible features
- • Walnut case features carved decorative details • Upper section contains the clock dial with Arabic numerals • Lower section houses the musical movement and disc storage • A winding crank extends from the right side of the case
- Case and Dial Construction
- The wall-mounted clock is constructed from walnut, featuring an elaborate architectural design that integrates both the timekeeping dial and the musical playback mechanism. The upper portion of the case supports the clock face, which displays hours with Arabic numerals and features a central aperture. The exterior architecture includes decorative finials and carved wood elements consistent with the overall dimensions of 51 inches in height. The lower section of the case serves as the housing for the Symphonion disc player. This area includes a hinged door that provides access to the internal mechanism and the disc storage. A winding crank is located on the right side of the case, facilitating the operation of the integrated musical components. The design allows for the visible rotation of the metal discs during operation, which are played via the internal comb system.
- Clock and Musical Movements
- The timekeeping function is provided by a Lenzkirch pendulum movement, which includes an hour-strike feature utilizing a spiral gong. This movement operates independently but is linked to the musical section. The musical movement is configured with 84 teeth distributed across two combs in a sublime harmony arrangement. It is designed to accommodate discs with a diameter of 11 3/4 inches. The interaction between the two movements allows the musical component to trigger at the hour or to be activated manually as desired. According to the auction report, the musical movement is in very good playing condition, while the clock movement requires professional intervention, specifically cleaning and adjustment to return to full functionality.
- Condition and Included Components
- The object is sold as a multi-functional device, with the auction description noting that the condition is currently partial working order. The musical mechanism is described as functional and in very good playing condition, supporting the playback of the included 28 discs. The clock movement is identified as needing service, specifically cleaning and technical adjustment to restore timekeeping accuracy. The set includes 28 musical discs compatible with the 11 3/4-inch diameter requirement of the No. 25R model. All musical teeth are reported as present, with the two combs described as complete.
Identification
- Reference
- 25R
- 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 exact operational status of the clock mechanism is unverified
- Research required: Long-term structural integrity of the walnut casing is not documented