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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

A hexagonal gilt bronze table clock

Partially verified

This hexagonal gilt bronze table clock is signed 'Kriedel London' on the dial and plate. According to the auction house, it features a spindle verge movement with chain and fusee, hourly striking on a bell positioned inside the underside, and an alarm mechanism. The clock stands on cast paw feet and is fitted with glazed apertures around its hexagonal case. Auction cataloguing attributes the maker tentatively to a member of the Kriedel family of clockmakers from Bautzen who relocated to London, dating the piece to the second quarter of the 18th century.

Hexagonal gilt bronze table clock signed Kriedel London
Hexagonal gilt bronze table clock signed Kriedel London — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Kriedel
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
744
Source-reported date
second quarter 18th C.
Country
United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Form

The object is a hexagonal table clock, characterized by a gilt bronze case supported by ribbed paw feet. The design incorporates glazed apertures on the sides.

The clock measures 8.4 cm in height with an approximate diameter of 12.5 cm. The condition is noted as requiring repair, specifically including a crack in the glass.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hexagonal gilt bronze case supported on ribbed paw feet.”
  • “Case sides feature cartouche-shaped glazed aperture windows.”
  • “H 8.4, diameter ca. 12.5 cm.”
  • “In need of repair, a crack to the glass”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial features an inner central alarm ring, Roman numerals for the hours, and an outer ring marked with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The dial is inscribed with 'Kriedel' above and 'London' below the central arbor.

It is noted that the hands may have been replaced.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered or contrasting dial with an inner central alarm ring, Roman numerals for the hours, and an outer ring with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.”
  • “Dial is inscribed 'Kriedel' above and 'London' below the central arbor.”
  • “the hands possibly replaced.”

Movement and Attribution

The clock houses a spindle movement with chain and fusee, an alarm function, and an hourly striking mechanism using a bell set into the underside. The signature 'Kriedel London' appears on the dial and plate.

The maker is tentatively attributed to a member of the Kriedel family of clockmakers from Bautzen who moved to London, dated to the second quarter of the 18th century. The source notes that while this specific London clockmaker is not mentioned in Baillie, the Kreidel family is.

Evidence for this section
  • “Spindle movement with chain and fusee, hourly striking to a bell set into the underside, with alarm function.”
  • “Signed to the dial and plate "Kriedel London".”
  • “Probably made by a member of Kriedel family of clockmakers from Bautzen who moved to London, second quarter 18th C.”
  • “This London clockmaker is not mentioned in Baillie, but the Kreidel family is.”

Open research questions

  • What is the condition of the internal striking mechanism and movement plate, which were not visible in the provided imagery?
  • Can the potential replacement of the hands be verified through comparative study of known Kriedel clocks?
  • What specific archival evidence links the Bautzen Kreidel family to a London-based clockmaker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A hexagonal gilt bronze table clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementSpindle movement with chain and fusee“Spindle movement with chain and fusee, hourly striking to a bell set into the underside, with alarm function.”
SignatureKriedel London“Signed to the dial and plate "Kriedel London".”
DimensionsH 8.4, diameter ca. 12.5 cm“H 8.4, diameter ca. 12.5 cm.”
Date attributionsecond quarter 18th C.“second quarter 18th C.”
ProvenanceThe Inamarie and H.G. Klein collection, Cologne“The Inamarie and H.G. Klein collection, Cologne”
ProvenanceThe Inamarie and H.G. Klein collection, Cologne“The Inamarie and H.G. Klein collection, Cologne”

Visible details

  • Hexagonal gilt bronze case supported on ribbed paw feet.
  • Silvered or contrasting dial with an inner central alarm ring, Roman numerals for the hours, and an outer ring with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals.
  • Dial is inscribed 'Kriedel' above and 'London' below the central arbor.
  • Case sides feature cartouche-shaped glazed aperture windows.

Research qualifications

  • Condition noted by source: 'In need of repair, a crack to the glass, the hands possibly replaced.'
  • Attribution to the Kriedel family of Bautzen is source-reported as probable: 'Probably made by a member of Kriedel family of clockmakers from Bautzen who moved to London'.
  • Underside bell and movement are not visible in the primary image.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A hexagonal gilt bronze table clock - Lot 744

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record de5f8d6f78

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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