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W30 Rack clock mounted on a shaped giltwood backboard.

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€ 8950 $ 10188 £ 7695 ¥ 1657630 DKK 66897 CHF 8264 NOK 101247 CA$ 14491 HK$ 79912

Van Brug Collection

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Name: W30 Rack clock mounted on a shaped giltwood backboard.
Measurements: Height: 73 cm
Reference: VBCA100137
Techniques: Gilded, Painted, Shaped
Colors: White, Brown, Gold

Categories: Decorative Arts Clocks Wall Clocks
Materials: Brass Giltwood Glass Steel
Periods: 18th Century Antique 1780
Origin and period: Austria/Germany

Description

A fascinating Austrian, or possibly South German, rack clock mounted on a shaped giltwood backboard. Circa 1780.

The origin of these interesting clocks goes back to the 17th century; the concept being that the weight of the clock , as it descends down the rack, provides the motive power. Examples are to be seen in Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks by Derek Roberts, pages 61 & 62.

The substantial brass rack, which is bolted to the backboard, has applied gilt metal floral decoration to the top and bottom.

The convex white enamelled dial, some 3.25" (8.5cms ) in diameter, has roman numerals and blued steel hands. Surrounding it is an attractive gilded mask with putti to either side symbolising time, one carrying an hour glass and the other a scythe, whilst in the centre is a cockerel. The rest of the mask features floral and other decoration. The movement, which is surrounded by lead to increase the driving weight, has a three wheel train, verge escapement and a pendulum which swings to and fro in front of the dial.

The attractively shaped softwood backboard, to which the rack is fixed, has a raised border with nearly all the original gilding still intact. The body of the backboard, also gilded, has red painted flutes running down it.