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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Globe clock

Globe Clock

Partially verified

This globe clock, identified as number 73, was manufactured in Germany circa 1920. The object features a revolving terrestrial globe constructed from card with printed paper gores, suspended within a steel frame. The clock movement is housed within a wooden base characterized by its waisted sides, stepped top, and stepped base. The dial displays Arabic numerals set upon square black reserves, accompanied by an annular brass ring numbered one through twelve around the globe's equator. The time is indicated by blued steel spade hands. The skeletonized brass movement includes an exposed mainspring and a lateral lever escapement, with a brass balance and flat balance spring. Helical gearing drives the rotation of the globe. The total dimensions of the object are 41 by 21 centimeters. The auction description notes the piece was part of the collection of a Spanish Gentleman and reports its condition as requiring repair.

A globe clock with a wooden base and card globe, Germany, circa 1920.
A globe clock with a wooden base and card globe, Germany, circa 1920. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Globe clock
Maker / attribution
Geschutz Depose
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
553
Source-reported date
circa 1920
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
73

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 Case

The object comprises a terrestrial globe and a clock movement integrated into a wooden base. The base is crafted with waisted sides, transitioning into a stepped top and a stepped base, providing structural support for both the timekeeping mechanism and the globe assembly. The globe itself is made of card and covered in printed paper gores, reflecting terrestrial details.

This assembly is secured within a steel frame that facilitates the mounting of the globe. Helical gearing is utilized to connect the clock movement to the driving wheels of the globe, allowing for its rotation. The dimensions of the entire assembly are recorded as 41 by 21 centimeters.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wooden base with waisted sides housing the clock movement, stepped top and base, the card globe with printed paper gores, mounted within a steel frame.”
  • “helical gearing to the driving wheels of the globe.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock displays time via a circular dial face featuring Arabic numerals printed on square black reserves. This layout is enhanced by outer minute divisions and an annular brass ring positioned around the equator of the globe, which is marked with numerals from 1 to 12. The time is read using blued steel spade hands.

The timekeeping is powered by a skeletonized brass movement, which features an exposed mainspring. The regulation is achieved through a lateral lever escapement and a brass balance paired with a flat balance spring. An index regulator is also present to adjust the rate of the timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Printed paper with Arabic numerals on square black reserves, outer minute divisions, annular brass ring, numbered 1-12 around the equator of the globe. Blued steel "spade" hands.”
  • “Skeletonized brass with exposed mainspring, lateral lever escapement, brass balance with flat balance spring, index regulator”

Provenance and Condition

The object is recorded as being part of the Collection of a Spanish Gentleman. The auction documentation includes a grading system for the condition of the clock components, assigning a grade of A for the general status of the object.

Specific condition assessments provided in the auction description include a grade of 4 (Fair) for the case and a grade of 4 (Fair) for the movement, with an explicit note that repair is required for the latter. The dial is rated as a grade 3 (Good).

Evidence for this section
  • “From the Collection of a Spanish Gentleman”
  • “Movement: 4** Fair Repair required, at buyer's expense”
  • “Dial: 3 Good”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific geographical origin or publication source of the printed paper gores used on the globe?
  • Are there patent records associated with the 'Geschutz Depose' mark linked specifically to this gear-driven globe clock design?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Globe Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker markGeschutz Depose“Geschutz Depose”
Datecirca 1920“Made circa 1920.”
Serial number73“No. 73.”
Movement descriptionSkeletonized brass with exposed mainspring and lateral lever escapement“Skeletonized brass with exposed mainspring, lateral lever escapement, brass balance with flat balance spring, index regulator, helical gearing to the driving wheels of the globe.”
Dial detailsPrinted paper with Arabic numerals on square black reserves“Printed paper with Arabic numerals on square black reserves, outer minute divisions, annular brass ring, numbered 1-12 around the equator of the globe.”
Dimensions41 x 21 cm“Dim. 41 x 21 cm.”
ConditionMovement requires repair“Movement: 4** Fair Repair required, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

  • The clock dial is circular with Arabic numerals on black square backgrounds.
  • The globe is mounted on an axis with visible gears at the base of the steel frame.
  • The wooden base exhibits a waisted silhouette.
  • The globe surface shows detailed cartographic markings including geographical regions.

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the manufacturer is not confirmed beyond the mark 'Geschutz Depose'.
  • The auction description reports that the movement requires repair.

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

Consulted source

"Globe Clock" German, Geschutz Depose, No. 73. Made circa 1920. Fine and rare, globe clock with revolving terrestrial globe.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a239df50ec

Terms in this record

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

Other globe clock records