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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

Adolf Loos Rare longcase clock

Partially verified

This longcase clock is attributed to designer Adolf Loos and dated by Phillips to circa 1904. The transparent vitrine construction incorporates copper-plated brass, glass, and brass, standing approximately 130 cm tall. The auction catalogue notes the case was likely executed by Johannes Heeg in Vienna, Austria. Visible within the glazed rectilinear case are a circular dial bearing Arabic numerals, a suspended driving weight with a pulley, and an elongated pendulum with a circular spherical bob, mounted on four low feet.

Full front view of the Adolf Loos glazed brass longcase clock
Full front view of the Adolf Loos glazed brass longcase clock — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Adolf Loos
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
51
Source-reported date
circa 1904
Country
Austria

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

Identity and Attribution

This longcase clock is catalogued under maker Adolf Loos and dated to circa 1904. The catalogue designates it as 'PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION' under lot 51.

The auction entry records that the case was 'likely executed by Johannes Heeg, Vienna, Austria', expressing a qualified rather than certain workshop attribution for the physical fabrication of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION 51 Adolf Loos Rare longcase clock”
  • “circa 1904”
  • “Case likely executed by Johannes Heeg, Vienna, Austria.”

Case Design and Glazed Vitrine Structure

The clock is documented with materials of copper-plated brass, glass, and brass, measuring 130 x 41.5 x 26.6 cm (51 1/8 x 16 3/8 x 10 1/2 in.).

Direct visual observation confirms a full-height transparent glass vitrine casing with copper-plated brass framing, elevated upon four low corner feet supporting the brass base.

Evidence for this section
  • “Copper-plated brass, glass, brass.”
  • “130 x 41.5 x 26.6 cm (51 1/8 x 16 3/8 x 10 1/2 in.)”
  • “Full-height transparent glass vitrine casing with copper-plated brass framing”
  • “Four low corner feet supporting the brass base”

Dial and Visible Movement Components

Visible within the upper section of the vitrine is a circular clock dial exhibiting an iridescent patina and dark Arabic numerals.

Observation of the interior reveals a visible central pendulum with an elongated rod and large circular bob, alongside a suspended cylindrical weight hung from a pulley positioned behind the pendulum rod.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular clock dial with iridescent patina and dark Arabic numerals”
  • “Visible central pendulum with an elongated rod and large circular bob”
  • “Suspended cylindrical weight hung from a pulley behind the pendulum rod”

Open research questions

  • Does the physical movement or case bear any stamps, marks, or signatures connecting it to Johannes Heeg or a specific movement supplier?
  • For which interior commission or client was this clock produced circa 1904?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Adolf Loos Rare longcase clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MaterialsCopper-plated brass, glass, brass“Copper-plated brass, glass, brass.”
Dimensions130 x 41.5 x 26.6 cm (51 1/8 x 16 3/8 x 10 1/2 in.)“130 x 41.5 x 26.6 cm (51 1/8 x 16 3/8 x 10 1/2 in.)”
Case ExecutionJohannes Heeg, Vienna, Austria“Case likely executed by Johannes Heeg, Vienna, Austria.”
Datecirca 1904“circa 1904”
Provenance HeaderProperty from a distinguished private collection“PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION”
Sale RealizationSold for £412,800 (Estimate: £150,000–200,000)“Estimate £150,000–200,000 ‡︎ Sold For £412,800”

Visible details

  • Full-height transparent glass vitrine casing with copper-plated brass framing
  • Circular clock dial with iridescent patina and dark Arabic numerals
  • Visible central pendulum with an elongated rod and large circular bob
  • Suspended cylindrical weight hung from a pulley behind the pendulum rod
  • Four low corner feet supporting the brass base

Research qualifications

  • Case execution by Johannes Heeg is noted by the source as likely rather than confirmed
  • Specific movement maker and mechanical details are not documented in the provided excerpt

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

Consulted source

Adolf Loos Design

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record efd0b3b53e

Terms in this record

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

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