Description

In the Habsburg Empire, Austria-Hungary, a clockmaking tradition developed which started to be more substantial from the third quarter of the 18th Century on. The makers of these clocks mostly made lightly built movements of which the functioning relied on high quality finishing. Many of these clocks have grande sonnerie quarter striking. Just like in Franse, the Vienna clockmakers started to produce travel clocks in the third quarter of the 18th Century. But where the French production started to grow significantly in the second quarter of the 19th Cnetury, the Austrian production remained relatively small aiming at the high end of the market. This lovely clock is exceptional for its small dimensions as well as the omittance of ornament. Although it is a small clock, it still has quarter striking, repetiton and alarm. It also still has it’s original travel case which is rare and attractive.

The 6-cm silvered dial is adorned with engraved flower patterns and has Roman numerals. The elegant diamond hands are made of blued steel. Above the XII is a small axis that can be turned by a small key to turn off the striking.

The movement has a duration of thirty hours and is driven by three spring barrels. It is regulated by cylinder escapement in combination of a plain balance. The clock has grande sonnerie quarter striking on a gong by means of rack striking. By pushing the small knob on top the last hours and quarters are repeated. Finally the movement has an alarm.

The rectangular gilt brass case is surmounted by a cast arched handle. The front and back of the case have doors. The moulded plinth is raised on bun feet. Together with this clock is the original travel case.

A small Austrian grande sonnerie travel clock, circa 1850.

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