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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Cartel clock

Gustav Becker Giltwood Cartel Clock

Partially verified

This is a cartel wall clock attributed to the German manufacturer Gustav Becker, dating to the period between 1890 and 1900. The object features a decorative, ornate giltwood case with carved detailing. The clock face is round and convex with a cream finish, displaying Arabic numerals for the hours and minute markers at the quarter-hours. The time is indicated by two delicate, openwork filigree hands. The movement is reported to be an eight-day mechanism, featuring two winding holes on the dial, which control the timekeeping and the striking functions, respectively. Measuring 750 mm in height, 470 mm in width, and 140 mm in depth, this piece follows the design tradition of European cartel clocks characterized by elaborate wall-mounted frames intended for interior display.

Frontal view of the Gustav Becker giltwood cartel clock.
Frontal view of the Gustav Becker giltwood cartel clock. — The Clock & Watch Shop. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Cartel clock
Maker / attribution
Gustav Becker
Reference
CL-WL-979
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1890-1900
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

Case and Dial Design

The clock is housed in a carved giltwood frame, consistent with the cartel clock typology. The visual composition includes floral motifs and ribbon detailing surrounding the central dial.

The dial is circular and convex in profile, finished in a cream color with Arabic hour numerals. The hands are fashioned from metal with an intricate openwork, filigree pattern. There is visible crazing on the dial surface surrounding the central arbor and winding holes.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت دیواری تزئینی از نوع کارتل (Cartel) با بدنه‌ای از جنس چوب طلاکاری‌شده (Giltwood)”
  • “صفحه ساعت به شکل گرد و محدب”
  • “عقربه‌ها به صورت ظریف و مشبک‌کاری‌شده طراحی شده‌اند”

Movement and Mechanism

The internal mechanism is an eight-day movement, operated via two distinct winding holes located on the dial face. One aperture manages the timekeeping train, while the second controls the striking sequence.

The clock is equipped with a striking system that uses a internal gong to sound the full hour and a single strike to indicate the half-hour.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور هشت‌روزه در جدول مشخص‌اند”
  • “دو سوراخ کوک روی صفحه در نظر گرفته شده که یکی برای نیروی زمان‌سنجی و دیگری مربوط به مکانیزم زنگ است”
  • “در رأس هر ساعت، تعداد ضربات روی یک گونگ نواخته می‌شود”

Attribution and Specifications

The object is identified as a product of the German maker Gustav Becker. Its manufacturing date is estimated to be between 1890 and 1900.

The overall dimensions of the clock are recorded as 750 mm in height, 470 mm in width, and 140 mm in depth, registered under reference number CL-WL-979.

Evidence for this section
  • “توسط سازنده سرشناس آلمانی، Gustav Becker، در حدود سال‌های ۱۸۹۰ تا ۱۹۰۰ میلادی تولید شده است”
  • “شناسه CL-WL-979 است”
  • “ابعاد به ترتیب جدول ۷۵۰ × ۴۷۰ × ۱۴۰ میلی‌متر است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber or model type used by Gustav Becker in this cartel clock?
  • Does the serial number exist on the movement plates to allow for a more precise dating within the 1890-1900 range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gustav Becker Giltwood Cartel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGustav Becker“توسط سازنده سرشناس آلمانی، Gustav Becker”
Datecirca 1890-1900“در حدود سال‌های ۱۸۹۰ تا ۱۹۰۰ میلادی”
ReferenceCL-WL-979“شناسه CL-WL-979 است”
Case MaterialGiltwood“بدنه‌ای از جنس چوب طلاکاری‌شده (Giltwood)”
Dimensions750 x 470 x 140 mm“ابعاد به ترتیب جدول ۷۵۰ × ۴۷۰ × ۱۴۰ میلی‌متر است”
Strike SystemHour and half-hour strike on gong“در رأس هر ساعت، تعداد ضربات روی یک گونگ نواخته می‌شود و در نیم‌ساعت نیز با یک تک‌ضربه زمان اعلام می‌گردد”

Visible details

  • Cream-colored dial exhibits visible surface crazing
  • Two winding holes present on the dial at approximately the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions
  • Case features extensive floral and ribbon-like carvings
  • Hands display detailed pierced metalwork

Research qualifications

  • Exact year of production within the 1890-1900 date range is not specified
  • The specific movement caliber is not identified in the source

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

Consulted source

Giltwood Cartel Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 6a0af80ca0

Terms in this record

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

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