A POLYCHROOM IRON WALL CLOCK Ca. 1585 Switzerland

M&R143

A POLYCHROOM IRON WALL CLOCK
Circa 1585
Switzerland

Movement
The weight-driven three-train iron movement is constructed between four vertical iron bars between top and bottom plates. The going train has vertical verge escapement with a balance situated between the twin top plates. The quarter-hour striking train controlled by a countwheel indicates the quarters on the smaller bell, on the hour followed by the hours on the larger bell, also controlled by a countwheel.

Dial
The polychrome arched dial has two chapter rings, the larger one for the hours, the smaller one for the quarters. The hour chapter ring has Roman numerals I-XII with diamond-shaped half-hour divisions and Arabic numbers 13-24. The quarter-hour ring has Roman numerals I-IIII. The time is indicated on each ring by an iron hand. The quarter-hour ring is flanked by painted and scrolling leaf motifs. Above the hour ring a sun and a moon are painted, whilst the arch depicts two wind blowing personages.

Case
The polychrome iron case has two doors to the sides and is surmounted by two superimposed bells in an elaborate two-tier bell strap, embellished by rosettes, a larger one at the top. The paintings on the doors depict a vase with an abundance of flowers in various colours.

Duration 12 hours

Height 44 cm
Width 13 cm
Depth 15 cm

Literature
Horloges Rustique de la Collection Meister, Zurich, Musée International d’Horlogerie
La Chaux-de-Fonds (Suisse) p. 18-19.