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Clock No. 169. Floor Standing year duration timepiece Clock No. 169 Purchase Price SOLD Weights 1 Length 94 inches Wall Stabilizers Not Appropriate Case Condition 1 Winding Key New Mechanism Perfect Mechanism Mount Wooden seat board Beat Scale No Pendulum Zinc backed   Clock 169 Base Dial Interior   Top Weight     The massive Austrian movement with two- piece dial marked J. Weber in Wien is clean (actually, it is beautifully polished and positively glistens) and has been running for years. As shown in the pictures, the chapter and second rings are perfectly silvered, the engraved numbers beautifully waxed in, the dial center, pulley, weight, and pendulum bob polished, and lacquered. The clock is stunning, with the polished and engraved brass offering a stunning counterpoint to the walnut hues of the case. Claterbos lists four J. Webers: Jacob achieved master clock maker status in 1847, listed in 1852, but not in 1893, Joh. listed in 1886, but not in 1891, and three Josefs, one who was a master in 1857, and was last listed in 1862, one who qualified in 1827, who was responsible for ruling on other clockmakers efforts to achieve master status from 1832 to 1837, and finally a master clock maker who was listed from 1857 to 1862. From the above, and the probability that this clock was made in the last quarter of the nineteenth century it seems probable that the maker was Joh., which is probably short for Johann. The Viennese were the most prolific makers of weight-driven, long-duration floor-standing clocks. In actuality, they were also virtually the only ones who made these very desirable pieces. Why? Because the Viennese were clockmakers to the Habsburgs. They were expected to make the finest clocks in the world. But also, because long duration clocks require a level of perfection in gears, pinions, and pivots that was not the norm for clockmakers anywhere else in the world. This clocks case is unusual in that it has side glass to both the top and middle sections, making this a 6-glass case. Most year-runners only have glass in the hood and trunk doors. Note the attention to detail in the case. Beautiful columns to all three sections, an unusual headpiece, extensive carving, and door locks with the same key for both doors. And all in excellent condition. Note too the heavy Rococo-esque engraving to the dial center, as well as the exquisitely executed hands. With 3.6 mm (0.14 inch, or 1/7 inch) thick, 7.5 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide plates, an 18-pound weight, and a six pound pendulum bob, everything about this clock is massive and made for exceptional durability and accuracy. And, to add to the visual appeal, the engraving on the weight and pendulum bob match the motif seen in the dial center. If you are looking for a clock that has been totally gone through, one that will provide years of enjoyment, and one that exemplifies the finest of the Austrian clocks, you should give this clock serious consideration. Caveats: None – it is a lovely and very impressive clock that runs well.