Dennis, thanks for posting your GB Grand Sonnerie Vienna that was made at the GB Braunau, Bohemia factory about April-May 1906 based on the movement serial number. Pleased to see you have found a supplier for the missing pediment and lower finials, that will certainly give you a complete and well made example. For info, the GB 3-weight grand sonnerie models were only made commercially in the Braunau factory, which had its own set of serial numbers beginning in early 1888 when the factory opened. These numbers, if used for dating from the Karl Kochmann numbers that were for the Freiburg factory, will indicate manufacture from 18 to 25 years earlier than the actual date, and to say the least that causes a lot of confusion. I have posted the actual dating info for both the Freiburg and Braunau factories in THIS POST for everyone's info and personal use. Your movement is different from the standard grand sonnerie in that it has booster springs mounted on an extension of both the quarter and hour strike winding arbors. This evidently was added to compensate for insufficient weight to drive the quarter and hour strike trains on some clocks. The earliest known example used a movement made in 1890, however it appears this was retrofitted in 1903 prior to introduction of production versions that year. Then, the next examples appear in 1906 and each year afterward through 1912. It is curious why only a relative few clocks were made with this addition, when an obvious solution would be to increase the amount of weight needed to operate the clocks. I have not been able to access enough of these to find out whether GB did increase the weight size on most of their grand sonnerie clocks, since the very large majority do not have these springs. For info they also added a spring on the strike train of some of the 2-weight bim-bam striking models. I will merge this thread with the main "Post Your Gustav Becker Clocks Here" thread so we won't have any confusion where to go for GB clock info.
Piotr, this is the first time also I have seen this stamp. The movement serial number shows it was made at the beginning of 1888, one of the first movements with only the GB Freiburg circle logo. I have only one other movement in my data with earlier serial number, 653566 made end 1887 but with only the GB Freiburg logo, it is a 2-train time & strike clock spring driven. It appears your movement is spring drive also, is that correct? It may be that GB tried to represent this as a quality movement, but for some reason did not continue with the stamp. At least, I've not seen any others made after this one.
I have always wanted to own a Becker Grand Sonnerie, but they have been out of price range. Yours is exquisite. Enjoy it in good health!
Hello, A few months ago I bought GB movement. You helped me with this movement. You find its name, born date, etc. It is GB "Mignon" movement Westminster Chime clock. I have designed and built the new case for this movement. I have also designed and made the new hands of the clock. Currently the clock works correct and the chime sounds beautiful. This is the first clock restored by me. I am looking for next movement.
Hi. I have attached photos of a Gustav Becker spring-driven wall clock I have recently purchased. The door and glass were in pieces but the movement seems fine with the exception of the suspension spring. I have refit the door but I so far haven’t been able to find a matching suspension spring. If I can’t, I wonder if I can find one close in size and cut or grind it to match? The closest matches I have found are two, #47 from Timesavers and Urgos #301 from Rowell Clock. Neither have the bottoms sloped back like my Becker suspension spring. Does anyone have experience with either finding or modifying a suspension spring? I’m also curious about the date. The back plate of the movement has information but I am not confident about interpreting it. Merry Christmas Martin
Hi Martin I'm not an expert, but I bought at Timesavers #38 suspension spring. They sold it as for Gustav Becker clocks. In my case this is the size my clock has. Regarding the date, your clock has a serial number that can identify when was built. As I know the clock that have a serial number were built at Braunau. The seal can reveal a period of years when was built. Let's wait to the expert that can review this information and guide you in the exactly suspension spring fits to your clock. Sergio
The DRP number appears to be granted in 1906 as indicated in this post: Gustav Becker Pendulum Leader If I see the serial number correctly, the clock was built in Freiburg in the first third of 1920. Kurt
Kurt has provided the correct date for this Bim-Bam striking spring driven movement. The patent is for a silent rack strike design that was patented in 1906 as Kurt has also noted and used continuously from 1906 to 1920. Of interest is that this patent was applied to a number of movement designs including this spring driven bin-bam design, also to spring and weight driven time and strike movements, hall clock movements, etc. Regarding the suspension spring, the shape of the lower block is not critical, it can be rectangular and still work properly. The main characteristics are for the spring to be the correct overall length and not too strong.
Hi all! I'm going back to the topic Post Your Gustav Becker Clocks Here I want to share another combination of GB and Kienzle. Here again all parts of the clock except the movement belong to GB; movement Kienzle again without a stigma. My understanding of statistics is that these four clocks represent at least 2-4 thousand wall clocks sold in this combination. Another interesting fact - all these clocks found me on the territory of Russia. In other countries such combination has not been delivered? BR, Tatyana
Tatayana, very interesting indeed. I don't recall seeing this in clocks found in other countries than Russia, however I also have not found any of these in my own searches so I don't have any basis for saying where they would have been sold. Do you have an estimate of the time (years) in which these four you have found would have been made?
Hi Tatyana I have a similar situation with my clock (that is in my avatar). The movement, watch dial and bells system are Gustav Becker, but not the the wood case. I found in the web the same model in Germany and the USA built with different woods. A model arrive to Chile where my grandfather bought it the first quarter of 20th century. This is an example that this model wasn't unique for one country. At the moment I haven't found any information where the wood case was built. The case hasn't any sign that can help me on this. Regards, Sergio
John thanks for Your reply! Most movements Kienzle (patent 147023) look like this: the pendulum stops are located below, the length of the pendulum is indicated only by numbers. About 15% of movements the pendulum stops above, the length of the pendulum is indicated with the addition "cm". Therefore, I assume the manufacturing date of these movements 1912/13 +. These movements were often used late signature Kienzle If the patent number is not written on such movements, then the movement is made 1914+. As a rule, the case design of these сlocks is late art Nouveau. I assume the date of manufacture of "GB-Kienzle" clocks with Dom-Gong during the WWI. BR, Tatyana P.S. Very rarely there are movements made before the official start of the patent until 1904. They have a difference in design in the place of fastening of the hammer.
Hi Sergio! I will assume that your case could have been made in Chile. Given the huge distance that separates Germany and Chile, it looks economically viable. BR, Tatyana
My first Gustav! Nothing fancy, just liked how it looked and wanted to see what a Gustav looked like in person. Can anybody date the clock?
Welcome to the message board, c_bach! You've got yourself a nice old one for sure. The serial number should date this to the middle of 1894: Post Your Gustav Becker Clocks Here Kurt
Hi, I have found a nice Gustav Becker clock, unfortunately incomplete. Rare stamp from 1898, which was probably only used for 2 years. One of the more rare signatures used by GB. I am showing this clock as a curiosity. Take note at unusual way the mechanism is hung on the clock case. Decorative clock dial and pendulum.
Hi Tatyana This is a very good point and sounds viable. I thought it at the beginning because it is a very rare case, not found frequently in the web. But I disagree. Surfing in the web, I found pictures with identical wood cases in the US and Germany. There are 2 Freischwinger in Germany, that have the same case in the upper part as well. It is hard to believe that someone imported to Chile original GB movement, dial and bell system and the plans to build exactly the wooden box with all it details in Chile. My theory is that a company included in the VFU built the wood cases in different woods. Anyway it is an interesting challenge try to discover if it was built in Chile. I'm including some pics of the models found in the US, Germany and the Freischwingers. Regards, Sergio
Everyone, I have only 4 German/Austrian clocks in my herd and would like a little info on them if possible. Two are unmarked two weights, so there's not much to say about them. The other two are a Lenzkirch single weight that I'll post on that thread and a single weight Becker. I got the Becker on Ebay last year and did a little restoration work on him, glue and clamp etc. It seems that I researched what I could from the serial number and came up with a circa 1870 date of mfg. I'd like to present it to the learned sources here for their review and identification please. Thanks
According to John Hubby's notes, the serial number for Freiburg dates to about May 1866. His listing of logos suggests this logo was used from 1867 to 1879. So that seems to makes sense with general dating. Kurt
Sharing information about unusual GB wall clock. It is two train 3/4 Westminster clock with Harfengong. Maybe would be interesting for the records Regards Gintaras View attachment 510530 View attachment 510536
After many years of wanting a GB clock I finally broke down a got one. If I am dating it correctly it was made sometime in 1876. The seller assured me the clock was all original, but on a clock this old who really knows. Anyway, I really like the clock and just wanted to share it with all of you. Have a great night, Kris
Very nice Kris, beautiful case and I like the separate seconds dial, or is it a calendar? How did you acquire this clock and from where? Richard
Thanks Richard. I purchased the clock from a seller on Ebay over in Germany. What looks like a seconds hand actually completes a rotation in 45 seconds. I believe this is by design as I have seen it on a few other clocks. If anyone has further info on the second hand I would be interested in hearing about it. Kris
Kris, thanks for posting! Your clock was made at the Freiburg, Silesia factory about mid-1876 as you have found already. The movement serial number. appears to be 117943, please confirm the actual number if this is not correct. Very nice example!!
Hi Kris, this was a very good purchase, in my opinion one of the nicest and better made GB clocks. These clocks were different from item to item, often differing in small details. It is a very pretty clock and it truly looks original. Check out mine, it is very similar to yours, although a little older.
Another item in my collection, a bit later model from around 1880-1885. Few more interesting GB clocks: View attachment 514337 One of my oldest GBs: Number under 50000. It need renovation, and the upper-middle finial is broken. Rest is original. Take notice at the lower finials which are very small and were used only in older models. Dials are controversial, but I made the minute one by my own. Hourly one was there when i bought it but i am not sure about its originality. could change it but i'd rather leave the clock in the condition i bought it in.
Hi, Kris! Hi, Czerralf! A friend of mine in Moscow has a similar clock. But it's movement is not made by GB. There are some reasons to say the clock all original. We try identificate by whom it was made on Russian watchs forum, but stil there is no result. Sapose somebody here to help us? Ups... What does it mean: "You can not upload attachments. You do not have enough posts yet"
I have got another one (it’s mine) in really fine condition. I think the upper-middle finial is not original.
Hi Koshky, from what I can see, this looks like a German movement, most likely Endler. You'd have to check the exact model yourself. These cases were used by a couple of makers, as I wrote earlier they only differed in small details. Movements were similar as well. Hre's an example of two old mechanisms, Becker and Endler from early production years. Notice that the signatures were similar. Endler's signature with anchor is uncommon. Regards.
Hi, Czerralf. Thanks for your reply. We have considered the version of Endler on Russian forum. But there are some differents in details say that it’s not Endler. For example: counting wheel in Endler movement is on the main axis. I had got an Endler watch and had an opportunity to compare. It’s very similar but different in details. Somebody of Freiburg makers across the street.
While this isn't my clock, it just has to be shared given how obscure this thing is. The clock belongs to a Vietnamese collector, involved in their active regional clock trade. It's a variation of the VFU/Gustav Becker HW No. 14 movement, playing the Westminster chime on a set of chords. The Tran book does illustrate this movement but this is the first time I've ever run across any example in a collection. I do not know how long this movement was made but I am guessing production numbers were low.
that one is indeed an oddball. I had to listen to it twice. I'm certainly no expert in chime tunes, but it sounds to me like the notes are in the wrong order?
It's the strangest attempt at any company changing up the Westminster chime. The notes are right when compared to the catalog's music score but it make such a sound... acoustics all over the place. Though the rest of the clock isn't shown it would not be any different from the typical German hall clock of the period. Despite being such an oddity I can appreciate GB's attempt at changing the otherwise-common Westminster chime. You don't see this kind of innovation with the newer clocks.
I am re-posting from 'Your Newest Acquisition': Hello, I am new to the forum and jumped in heavily with many clocks, looking for my mid-life crisis hobby and future retirement activity. I enjoy reading through the postings and seeing the unique clocks and the wealth of information provided by the community. I found the following Gustav Becker floor clock, but it is missing the coil gong. The movement was rebuilt and is currently ticking away. I was told a US Serviceman brought back many clocks in the early 1960's, which were sold and gifted to family and friends. This clock was sitting, the movement sitting loose probably since then. The case has been re-finished (primed and repainted a lighter brown). The glass is the cabinet appears original and the movement has a art-deco style that was very appealing to me. The movement has a serial pointing to the early 1900's. I am looking for help to confirm its age and identify gong information. I would like to obtain the actual gong that could have been in it. However, a period specific would be good as well. Thanks in advance for your assistance! -Tim
Hi, could anyone help me identify better my Gustav Becker clock? Any comment will be very welcome. Thank you very much!
I recently picked this one up at our local antique barn. Very dirty but I saw the GB logo and snapped it up. Got it home and was a little disappointed in the quality of the case. The wire over the glass is barely installed and the wood seems like pine. The logo on the movement dates it between 1909-1926 and has no lantern pinions. Possible war clock? The rear plate looks different from the wheels in the picture but might be due to something sprayed on it. Only my second GB. Any info greatly appreciated.
From John's notes, this appears to be the Amerikaner movement, made with solid cut pinions. I haven't seen what the lone "P" stands for, but the other P42 is the pendulum length is centimeters. Not sure if the date of manufacturer can be narrowed down further from what you have shown. As for the case, this is likely a "box clock" in which the movement was fitted to a case much later in life. Kurt
John could narrow this down, by the fact that it is marked "Silesia" and does not have the Gold Medal marking, which I believe came later. The leaded glass is a nice feature.
Thanks guys. i did not know what an "Amerikaner" movement was till now and searched the site here. Learn something new everyday. This case has spacers on the side to make the movement fit so it may be a transplant. I like the no lantern pinion part of it.
Welcome to the message board! From the logo that is on the back plate, it appears that the clock dates to 1910 plus or minus a couple of years. I don't see a long serial number, so can only use the logo. Does the clock run? I'm totally familiar with all of the cases, but I'm wondering if it's missing some finials on the top and/or bottom. Are there any holes indicating something might be missing? Kurt
Just picked up my first GB today from an estate sale for $40. They indicate it doesn't work but I know the strike side works but haven't really looked at the time side. I've attached pictures. No serial number on back plate. #1 - Dial #2 - Movement - GB Trademark with Silesia beneath - Left Side shows a P over the P 48 pendulum length #3 - GB Trademark #4 - P over the P 48 pendulum length #5 - doesn't show up well - the number 207013 is scribed on the top right side - no idea what this is. #6 - Case. Missing head piece #7 - Gloria gong #8 - gong, movement mounting bracket & side opening with wood inserts Based on the Trademark info in this MB, it appears to be manufactured between 1906 - 1925. Any additional information would be most appreciated. I haven't been able to find another GB with this case, but I have limited resources and haven't look very long since I just go it. Thanks, Royce
