W30 Rack clock mounted on a shaped giltwood backboard.

Ships from The Netherlands

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

Ask the seller

More from this seller

Related content

18th-century decorative Arts for sale Antique decorative Arts for sale 18th-century clocks for sale Antique clocks for sale 18th-century wall Clocks for sale Antique wall Clocks for sale