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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Vienna regulator wall clock

Biedermeier Vienna Regulator Wall Clock

Partially verified

Dating to the nineteenth century and styled in the Biedermeier tradition, this wall-mounted regulator clock features a mahogany veneered case decorated with carved mouldings, dentil trim beneath the cornice, and turned finials. The glazed cabinet houses a weight-driven movement stated by the dealer to have an eight-day duration. Time is shown on a one-piece porcelain dial marked with black Roman numerals and ornate hands, encased within a gilded brass ormolu piecrust bezel. Suspended within the lower trunk are a single cylindrical weight and a circular pendulum bob.

Front view of the mahogany Biedermeier Vienna regulator wall clock showing dial, weight, and pendulum
Front view of the mahogany Biedermeier Vienna regulator wall clock showing dial, weight, and pendulum — Pap Antiques and Restoration Ltd. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Clock · Vienna regulator wall clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
PAP19018
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA927317
Source-reported date
Circa 1850
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

Case Architecture and Construction

The clock is housed in an architectural wall cabinet constructed from mahogany veneer. Its upper section features a projecting cornice supported beneath by dentil moulding, topped by a shaped cresting pediment and two upper turned finials. The case terminates at the base in a shaped bracket supporting matching turned finials.

The glazed vertical trunk encloses the dial, weight, and pendulum assembly. The dealer listing reports physical dimensions of 116 cm (45.67") in height, 32 cm (12.60") in width, and 15 cm (5.91") in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “The mahogany veneered case of pleasing rich colour is with carved moulded decorations.”
  • “Dentil moulding running directly below the projecting cornice.”
  • “Height 116cm (45.67")”
  • “Width 32cm (12.60")”
  • “Depth 15cm (5.91")”

Dial and Indication

Time is shown on a one-piece porcelain dial with black Roman numerals and hands described as elegant. The exact metallic composition of the hands is not recorded in the source text.

The circumference of the dial is framed by a decorative gilded brass ormolu piecrust bezel, displayed inside the glazed timber cabinet.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 8 day duration weight driven movement fronted by a 1 piece porcelain dial with fine roman numerals, elegant hands and a beautiful gilded brass ormolu piecrust bezel.”

Movement and Suspension

The mechanism is described by the selling dealer as an eight-day duration weight-driven movement, stated by the seller to be serviced and in working order. Visual inspection confirms a vertical glazed trunk containing a single suspended brass weight and a round pendulum bob.

Specific movement details, such as wheel train layout, escapement type, or backplate markings, are not documented in the listing or visible in the primary photograph, as the internal works remain concealed behind the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 8 day duration weight driven movement fronted by a 1 piece porcelain dial”
  • “Serviced and in full working order.”
  • “Glazed vertical trunk housing a single suspended brass weight and a round pendulum bob.”

Open research questions

  • Are there maker stamps, serial numbers, or regional hallmarks stamped into the movement plates or mounting bracket behind the dial?
  • What specific escapement type (such as a Graham deadbeat escapement) and pendulum suspension arrangement are present on the movement?
  • Does the reverse of the one-piece porcelain dial carry any maker signatures or manufacturer marks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Biedermeier Vienna Regulator Wall Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Duration8-day duration“The 8 day duration weight driven movement fronted by a 1 piece porcelain dial”
Dial Description1-piece porcelain dial with Roman numerals and piecrust bezel“fronted by a 1 piece porcelain dial with fine roman numerals, elegant hands and a beautiful gilded brass ormolu piecrust bezel.”
Case MaterialMahogany veneer“The mahogany veneered case of pleasing rich colour is with carved moulded decorations.”
Height116 cm“Height 116cm (45.67")”
Width32 cm“Width 32cm (12.60")”
Depth15 cm“Depth 15cm (5.91")”
Seller-Reported ConditionServiced and in full working order; offered in excellent antique condition with no odours or woodworm“Serviced and in full working order. Offered in excellent antique condition, no odours or smells, no signs of past or present woodworm, excellent patina.”
Dealer Internal ReferencePAP19018“Dealers Internal Ref PAP19018”
Sellingantiques ReferenceSA927317“Sellingantiques Ref SA927317”

Visible details

  • Glazed vertical trunk housing a single suspended brass weight and a round pendulum bob.
  • Architectural cresting with a shaped pediment and two upper turned finials.
  • Dentil moulding running directly below the projecting cornice.
  • One-piece white dial with Roman numerals surrounded by an ormolu piecrust bezel.
  • Shaped lower bracket terminating in turned finials.

Research qualifications

  • No maker or manufacturer markings are stated on the dial or movement in the source description.
  • Internal movement plates, train, and escapement are not visible in the primary photograph.

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

Consulted source

Biedermeier Vienna Regulator Clock 19th Century | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4bf86d7697

Terms in this record

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

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