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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Crystal regulator

Crystal Regulator Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock, identified in the source text as a crystal regulator, features a brass frame with four glass panels that expose the internal mechanics and pendulum. The design includes horizontal strips of Champlevé enamel decoration at the base and the upper frame. The clock is powered by an eight-day mechanical spring-driven movement, which includes a gong striking mechanism. Visible through the glass, the clock is equipped with a dual-reservoir mercury pendulum, which is intended to provide thermal compensation. The dial is white enamel with black Arabic numerals and two winding holes. Access to the movement is provided by hinged glass doors at both the front and the rear. The clock is stated to be in good condition relative to its age, with minor signs of wear reported on the casing and the dial.

Front view of the brass and glass crystal regulator clock, showing the white enamel dial and dual-reservoir mercury pendulum.
Front view of the brass and glass crystal regulator clock, showing the white enamel dial and dual-reservoir mercury pendulum. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Crystal regulator
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
229

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 and Dial Design

The clock is constructed as a crystal regulator with a brass frame encompassing four clear glass panels. This design provides visibility into the internal operation of the clock, including the movement and the pendulum assembly. The upper and lower sections of the brass frame are decorated with inset Champlevé enamel strips featuring colored patterns.

The dial is circular, finished in white enamel, and marked with black Arabic numerals for the hours. Access to the winding arbors and the movement is facilitated by hinged glass doors located on both the front and rear of the clock case.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب ساعت دارای چهار وجه شیشه‌ای شفاف است”
  • “نوارهای باریک تزیینی میناکاری (Champlevé) با نقوش رنگی به چشم می‌خورد.”
  • “درب شیشه‌ای در جلو و پشت دستگاه تعبیه شده است”

Movement and Pendulum

The clock operates on an eight-day, spring-driven mechanical movement. It is equipped with a striking mechanism that uses a circular wire gong, positioned toward the rear of the movement structure. The two winding holes on the dial correspond to the timekeeping and striking functions.

Central to the clock's regulation is a dual-reservoir mercury pendulum. The two glass cylinders contain mercury, which is intended to compensate for temperature-induced variations in the pendulum's length, thereby stabilizing the clock's beat.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور مکانیکی کوکی ۸ روزه به همراه مکانیزم زنگ فنری”
  • “فنر سیمی زنگ (Gong) مدور در قسمت پشت موتور”
  • “پاندول دو مخزنه جیوه‌ای (Mercury pendulum) که برای تثبیت نوسان بر اثر تغییرات دما طراحی شده”

Provenance and Condition

The source notes that the clock is in a condition appropriate for its age, documenting only minor signs of wear and surface markings on the casing and the enamel dial. There is no reported documentation regarding recent professional cleaning or mechanical servicing of the movement.

A discrepancy exists between the seller's initial text description, which labels the item as a 'Vienna wall clock', and the actual visual representation of the object as a brass-framed crystal regulator mantel clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت در وضعیت مناسب با توجه به سن خود قرار دارد”
  • “عدم تطابق واضح میان متن کاتالوگ و تصاویر واقعی کالا است.”
  • “هیچ‌گونه سابقه‌ای از سرویس اخیر، تمیزکاری تخصصی موتور یا سلامت کامل قطعات داخلی در متن منبع گزارش نشده است.”

Open research questions

  • Does the '229' stamping appear on both the movement and the case, and does it represent a maker's batch or serial number?
  • Is there any maker's signature or country of origin mark hidden on the movement plate or base that was not documented in the source?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Crystal Regulator Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement8-day spring-driven“8 day gong striking movement”
DialWhite enamel with Arabic numerals“صفحه ساعت از جنس لعابی سفید (enamel dial) بوده و اعداد عربی به رنگ مشکی روی آن طراحی شده‌اند.”
DecorationChamplevé enamel strips“نوارهای باریک تزیینی میناکاری (Champlevé) با نقوش رنگی به چشم می‌خورد.”
Case materialBrass and glass“قاب ساعت دارای چهار وجه شیشه‌ای شفاف است”
PendulumTwo-jar mercury pendulum“پاندول دو مخزنه جیوه‌ای (Mercury pendulum)”

Visible details

  • Champlevé enamel bands on upper and lower frame
  • Dual-reservoir mercury pendulum visible internally
  • Hinged glass door access for movement and winding
  • Number 229 visible on the movement plate and case frame

Research qualifications

  • Discrepancy between source descriptive title (Vienna wall clock) and visual evidence (crystal regulator)
  • Unverified mechanical condition or history of servicing

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

Consulted source

Fantastic Walnut & Ebonised Vienna Wall Clock – Ca 1890

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 25b550d8c4

Terms in this record

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

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