BOOK-SHAPED RENAISSANCE CLOCK Circa 1590 Germany
M&R227
BOOK-SHAPED RENAISSANCE CLOCK
Circa 1590
Germany
Movement
The spring-driven, day-going movement of this clock is constructed between brass plates. It consists of going and striking trains. The going train has a spring barrel, stackfreed and verge escapement with balance. It can be adjusted by a steel regulator pin on an index with Arabic numerals. The striking indicates the hours fully on a bell.
Dial
The silver dial has a chapter ring with Roman hour numerals and a star as a half hour marker, surrounded by touch pins so that the time can be determined in the dark. The time is indicated by one steel hand. The centre of the dial is floral engraved, just like the rest of the front plate.
Case
The gilded brass and engraved case has the form of a book. The design represent a Renaissance style with the beautiful decorations. On the front a picture of the Judgement of Solomon. The sides of the book are pierced, the rare side with a rosette, for better sounding the bell. The book can be closed and opened by accessing the two clasps on the side.
Duration 1 day.
Height 8 cm.
Width 6 cm.
Depth 2.5 cm.
Similar book clocks, one in the Musée du Louvre Paris and two in the Metropolitan Museum.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/194101
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/196389
Literature:
– Klaus Maurice, Die Deutsche R äderuhr, p. 471a – 473.
– Louvre, Les montres et horlogers de table du musée du Louvre, p 38-39.