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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Clock, Cleveland Museum of Art 1966.362

Partially verified

This clock, accessioned as 1966.362, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Attributed to the maker Baumgartinger of Mergentheim and dated to circa 1750, the object is constructed from carved and gilded wood combined with faience elements. The overall dimensions are 97.8 x 59.7 x 37.2 cm. A faience figurine is mounted within the structure above the dial. The dial features Roman numerals. The piece is inscribed on the face with the maker's name and location. It is documented in the museum's Decorative Art and Design department under Furniture and woodwork and has been included in publications and an exhibition titled "Year in Review: 1967".

Full view of the clock showing the gilt wood case and the faience figurine.
Full view of the clock showing the gilt wood case and the faience figurine. — Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Baumgartinger
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1966.362
Source-reported date
c. 1750
Source-reported place
Germany

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

Construction and Design

The clock is characterized by an elaborate case constructed from wood, which has been carved and gilded. The structure displays significant complexity, integrating architectural elements such as arches and balustrades with organic, scrolling foliate forms. The design incorporates a faience figure positioned within the upper section of the housing.

The overall dimensions are 97.8 centimeters in height, 59.7 centimeters in width, and 37.2 centimeters in depth. The aesthetic configuration follows a highly ornate approach, with deep relief carving and a gilded finish that covers the structural elements of the exterior case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Carved and gilded wood, faience”
  • “overall: 97.8 x 59.7 x 37.2 cm (38 1/2 x 23 1/2 x 14 5/8 in.)”

Signatures and Identification

The clock is identified by an inscription located directly on its face. The text reads "Baumgartnger [sic] Mergentheim", which serves as the primary evidence for the attribution to the maker Baumgartinger, associated with the German town of Mergentheim.

This inscription is the singular recorded mark provided by the Cleveland Museum of Art's documentation. The spelling variant noted in the museum records suggests a potential transcription of the original mark found on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “inscribed on face: Baumgartnger [sic] Mergentheim.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art and is classified within their Decorative Art and Design department under the category of Furniture and woodwork. The provenance is recorded as having come from Dr. Kurt Rossacher in Salzburg, Austria, before entering the museum collection under the John L. Severance Fund.

The clock has been referenced in multiple museum handbooks, including editions published in 1969, 1978, and 2012. Additionally, it was featured in the 1967 exhibition "Year in Review" hosted by the Cleveland Museum of Art and was the subject of an article in the museum's 1967 bulletin.

Evidence for this section
  • “Recorded provenance: (Dr. Kurt Rossacher, Salzburg, Austria)”
  • “The Cleveland Museum of Art. Handbook of the Cleveland Museum of Art/1969”
  • “Year in Review: 1967”

Open research questions

  • What is the nature of the internal timekeeping movement housed within this case?
  • Are there other known clocks produced by Baumgartinger that exhibit similar stylistic choices in wood carving and faience usage?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Clock, Cleveland Museum of Art 1966.362
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBaumgartinger“Baumgartinger (German)”
LocationMergentheim“Baumgartnger [sic] Mergentheim”
MaterialsCarved and gilded wood, faience“Carved and gilded wood, faience”
Datec. 1750“c. 1750”
Dimensions97.8 x 59.7 x 37.2 cm“overall: 97.8 x 59.7 x 37.2 cm (38 1/2 x 23 1/2 x 14 5/8 in.)”
Museum Number1966.362“1966.362”
ProvenanceDr. Kurt Rossacher, Salzburg, Austria“(Dr. Kurt Rossacher, Salzburg, Austria)”

Visible details

  • The clock case features extensive pierced and foliate gilt wood carvings.
  • A polychrome faience figure stands atop the primary clock housing.
  • The clock face has Roman numerals and a central decorative brass element.

Research qualifications

  • The exact extent of original versus later gilding is not specified.
  • The functionality and completeness of the internal movement are not detailed in the source.

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

Consulted source

Clock (Cleveland Museum of Art 1966.362)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ff4f62cc09

Terms in this record

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

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