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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall regulator

Gustav Becker Gründerzeit wall regulator

Partially verified

This Gründerzeit wall regulator dates to circa 1890 according to source documentation, constructed with a walnut case measuring 130 by 42 by 18 centimeters. The case architecture features an arched pediment centered with a carved female mascaron, three turned upper finials, lateral turned half-columns, and panels with diamond-cut bosses. A glazed front door reveals a two-piece white enamel dial marked with Roman numerals, a minute track, and openwork black hands, bordered by a beaded brass-colored bezel. Driven by a single weight, the movement features one winding aperture, a cylindrical brass-colored weight, and a pendulum bob suspended above an enamel beat scale inscribed for retailer Boré & Berger Magdeburg. The auction house reports a rear brand stamp for Uhren-Fabrik Gustav Becker in Freiburg, Silesia.

Front view of the walnut wall regulator showing the case carving, dial, weight, and pendulum
Front view of the walnut wall regulator showing the case carving, dial, weight, and pendulum — Kunst- und Auktionshaus Quedlinburg. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Wall regulator
Maker / attribution
Gustav Becker
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
734
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Country
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 Architecture and Construction

The object is described as a walnut wall regulator, measuring 130 by 42 by 18 centimeters. The case architecture features a rounded, arched pediment centered with a carved female mascaron, flanked by three turned upper finials.

The facade includes turned half-columns and panels with diamond-cut bosses, a glazed door, and a base accented with turned drop finials.

Evidence for this section
  • “Walnut case.”
  • “130x42x18 cm (HxWxD).”
  • “the rounded pediment with a carved female mascaron and three turned finials, flanked by turned half columns and panels with diamond-cut bosses, glazed door, the base with turned drop finials.”

Dial and Timekeeping Components

The clock features a two-piece white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and openwork black hands. The dial is bordered by a brass-colored bezel with a beaded rim.

The movement is a weight-driven, time-only mechanism with one winding aperture. Visible components include a brass-colored cylindrical weight and a pendulum with a brass-colored bob. An enamel beat scale at the bottom of the case is inscribed for the retailer Boré & Berger Magdeburg.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-piece white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, outer minute track and black openwork hands, the brass-colored bezel with a beaded rim.”
  • “Weight-driven time-only movement with one winding aperture, brass-colored cylindrical weight and pendulum with a brass-colored bob”
  • “at the bottom of the case the white enamelled beat scale inscribed „Boré & Berger Magdeburg.“.”

Attribution and Condition

The auction house reports the presence of an oval brand stamp on the back of the object reading „Uhren-Fabrik Gustav Becker FREIBURG i. Schles.“. The date is identified in the source as circa 1890.

The clock is described as running, with age-appropriate condition and noted restoration spots. The beat scale is associated with the Magdeburg retailer.

Evidence for this section
  • “On the back the oval brand stamp „Uhren-Fabrik Gustav Becker FREIBURG i. Schles.“.”
  • “Clock is running, age-appropriate condition with some restoration spots.”
  • “The beat scale mounted in the case probably refers to the Magdeburg clock retailer who sold the clock.”

Open research questions

  • What specific areas of the clock underwent restoration?
  • Does the serial number of the movement (if present) correlate with the reported circa 1890 date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gustav Becker Gründerzeit wall regulator
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case materialWalnut“Walnut case.”
Maker's brand markUhren-Fabrik Gustav Becker FREIBURG i. Schles.“On the back the oval brand stamp „Uhren-Fabrik Gustav Becker FREIBURG i. Schles.“.”
Retailer inscriptionBoré & Berger Magdeburg.“the white enamelled beat scale inscribed „Boré & Berger Magdeburg.“.”
Movement typeWeight-driven time-only movement“Weight-driven time-only movement with one winding aperture”
Dimensions130 x 42 x 18 cm“130x42x18 cm (HxWxD).”
RetailerBoré & Berger Magdeburg“beat scale inscribed „Boré & Berger Magdeburg.“.”

Visible details

  • Carved female mascaron placed beneath the arched crest and center top finial
  • Turned drop finials terminating the base brackets and side projections
  • Single cylindrical weight suspended alongside the pendulum rod and round bob
  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals and a single winding hole

Research qualifications

  • The movement mechanism and rear manufacturer brand mark are not visible in the photograph
  • Source reports the clock is running with some restoration areas, but operational reliability is unverified

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

Consulted source

At Auction: Gustav Becker wall regulator, Gründerzeit wall clock with carved female mascaron, circa 1890

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 43caabf1f2

Terms in this record

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

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