Clock No. 266
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Purchase Price |
SOLD! |
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Weights |
2 |
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Length |
42 inches |
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Wall Stabilizers |
Original |
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Case Condition |
1 |
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Winding Key |
New w/brass knob |
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Mechanism |
Needs cleaned |
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Mechanism Mount |
4-post w/keyhole |
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Beat Scale |
Original |
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Pendulum |
Steel backed |
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Clock 266
Base
Dial
Key
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Pulley
Top
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The Altdeutsche period provides us with some of the most ornate and complex examples of the Vienna Regulators that we all find so desirable. While most Altdeutsche cases have a single-piece doors, some, of which 266 is a very nice example, have a separate "port-hole" window to the top of the door. This upper window lends balance to the case, providing a visual link between the complexity of the crown and base of the case. This case is in lovely condition, and provides an excellent example of the "Port-Hole" style Vienna Regulator.
The German movement is marked with the distinctive Becker circular trademarks, and is serial numbered 429664. This clock comes from the Braunau, Bohemia Becker factory. The references tell us that the factory was started in 1888, in the former Austrian - Hungarian Danube Federation of Braunau. Braunau (now Broumov, CSR) was annexed by Czechoslovakia after World War I. Unfortunately a dating system has not been established for the serial numbers from the Braunau factory, so, while it is not possible to date this piece to within one or two years, it is clearly an example of the clocks made in the last quarter of the 1800's, likely early in the quarter.
Striking on a long, straight gong, this clock has a porcelain dial in perfect condition with no chips or hair-line cracks. The dial has grommets to the winding holes, a nice touch that eliminates chipping of the dial while winding the clock. Another detail, the pendulum adjusting nut is made in two parts so you can lock the nut in place (ok - I'm not sure why the nut would move, but it is interesting to note that some of the nicer clocks use the two part nuts, almost like they think the nuts will unwind or something).
The embossed pulleys are correct for the clock, the clock has its original, ornate, metal beat scale, original wall stabilizers, perfect (if tarnished) pendulum bob with steel back, good condition weights, with a few, minor creases, and with top plates that are knurled around the edges - a nice, quality touch. I mentioned the straight gong - this can be a very desirable feature in that the straight gongs have a deeper, more resonant tone than the more conventional coiled gongs. And this gong, being longer than most, is quite deep and melodious.
The case is in very, very nice condition, as I hope you can tell in the photos. It is very clean, and doesn't even have a crack in the port-hole surround, which nearly all of these clocks have developed over the years. And, the case has a key-locked door (quite rare on a Becker) and all of the glass is old and wavy!
Note too the unusual, correct headpiece, and the lovely carving to the section below the headpiece. This clock has a number of lovely features that make the case quite a show-piece!
The port-hole style case is ready to hang, in very nice condition, and it is a Becker to boot!
Caveats: The winding key is new and the mechanism really needs cleaned. Needless to say, this is a service I am prepared to provide – see the section on mechanism restoration.
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