"Old" Clock? Is it something special - or just mistreated?

[AndyDWA]

I found this at an auction. I can see no markings and could not photograph the back of the movement - but it is so heavily tarnished, I'm not sure it would reveal any markings.

To my untrained eye, it looks like a gem of an antique - but could it have just had a very hard life? Does it look like there would be any chance of restoring it? I wouldn't want this one looking like new, so the dial would just be stabilised, as is, and the rest simply cleaned up. The main job would be getting it running. It looks like a simple enough movement (like the 400-day clocks I'm used to), assuming I could even get it apart without breaking it.

The movement itself seemed to be loose on the back mounting posts. I assume there were (steel) pins that have rotted away, or something.

If I could get it very cheap (unlikely), I'd get it purely for its ornamental value, but am otherwise unsure whether I should try and buy it.

Thanks for any info.

 

[Burkhard Rasch]

this seems to be a good quality time only spring vienna type of movement,maybe with a bajonet mounting,allways an indicator for good quality.The dial is shot IMO,but can be had at e.g. Selva in germany.The case looks homemade.Try to get the mvmt. out-lift and pull-,maybe there is a signature on the back plate.As far as I can see the mvmt. is well worth being restored,than look for a matching case from around 1880-1900.
Burkhard

 

[AndyDWA]

Thanks Burkhard,

I think the movement would lift of as you suggest, but I didn't want to mess with it without knowing what it was. I like the cracked dial and probably wouldn't replace it. The case isn't really to my taste and I'd be tempted to put it in something else and maybe make it a desktop clock rather than a wall clock.

The whole case is about 30cm (1') tall, so it is quite small.

 

[Chris Radano]

Also note the thickness of the movement plates, There is some width to the cut pinions, as well as the wheels, usually signs of quality. The case has old writing on the back, I would think the case has some age and if it were me I would keep it (I am partial to burr walnut). I would say "not the greatest clock in the world", but a good antique worth restoring. And by restoring I mean just a clean-up.

 

[Chris Radano]

OK I just read your post, the clock is considered a "miniature", quite likely untouched. Because of the size, it is more desirable and would probably command a higher price compared to an average sized spring clock (which would be about 30-40 inches H). The size increases the likelihood of the case being original to the movement. To find an antique replacement case would be difficult. To me, many images of miniature regulators I've seen have odd proportions, just my opinion.

 

[Burkhard Rasch]

re the case:the moulding of the front door looks old,also the ebonizing of the edge.Maybe there was some ebonized trim on the burl wallnut veneer?Hopefully someone comes out with a pic of a complete case..
Burkhard

 

[AndyDWA]

Looking at the original photos, it's possible there are several small nail holes near the top and bottom, as if there was some sort of trim at some stage.

 

[tarant]

Clock seems to be similar to the family of the miniature spring driven time only vienna regulators. The producer is unknown, Germany - Austro - Hungary, 70-90'.


The case resembles miniature Lenzkirch model No 2:

 

[AndyDWA]

Thanks Tarant. Looking at those pics, and searching for others, it does look like this is probably missing some trimmings and accents.

EDIT: Do you think it could be the one near the bottom of this page (Model 386)?

Auction is tomorrow but I'm going for a low-ball bid at this stage as I can't inspect it closely before then. We'll see what happens.

 

[AndyDWA]

The clock's reserve is above my top bid, so it remains unsold for now. I can't justify paying the asking price, so I'll have to be patient and see if the reserve comes within reach, or if my top price shifts upward.