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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Regulator clock

Gustav Becker Regulator Clock

Partially verified

This regulator clock is attributed to the Uhrenfabrik Gustav Becker, based in Freiburg, Schlesien, and dates to circa 1880. The case is constructed from walnut veneer on a coniferous wood base, featuring partial dark brown glazing. It presents a rectangular, vertically oriented form, glazed on three sides, and topped by a pediment with a decorative break-arch design. The two-part enamel dial is signed and displays Roman numerals for the hours and a separate seconds indicator, accompanied by blued 'Louis V' style hands. The clock is set within a brass bezel. Internally, the mechanism includes a striking train that produces a half-hour strike on a coiled gong. The dimensions of the piece are 130 cm in height, 43 cm in width, and 18 cm in depth. The object is reported to be in functional condition at the time of the auction cataloguing.

Regulator clock with glazed housing and enamel dial, circa 1880.
Regulator clock with glazed housing and enamel dial, circa 1880. — Schmidt Kunstauktionen Dresden OHG (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Regulator clock
Maker / attribution
Uhrenfabrik Gustav Becker
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
902
Source-reported date
circa 1880
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 Construction and Design

The clock is housed in a vertically oriented rectangular case, which is glazed on three sides to provide visibility of the pendulum and weights. The primary exterior material is walnut veneer applied over a substrate of coniferous wood, with parts of the case finished in a dark brown glaze.

The upper portion of the clock is defined by a pediment featuring a break-arch design, which houses a central carved mask element. Side columns and additional ornamental turning add architectural detail to the rectangular frame, which measures 130 cm by 43 cm by 18 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hochrechteckiges, dreiseitig verglastes Gehäuse mit bekrönendem, gesprengten Giebel.”
  • “Nussbaum auf Nadelholz furniert, partiell dunkelbraun lasiert.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial is composed of a two-part enamel surface, which is marked with Roman numerals for the hours. A sub-dial provides a separate seconds display. The dial is protected by a brass bezel and features blued hands in the 'Louis V' style.

The movement includes a striking mechanism that executes a half-hour strike using a coiled gong. The auction description states that the movement is functional.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signiertes, zweiteiliges Emaillezifferblatt mit römischen Stunden, separater Sekundenanzeige, gebläute "Louis V"-Zeiger.”
  • “Messinglünette. Schlagwerk mit Halbstundenschlag auf Tonfeder. Gangfähig.”

Condition Report

According to the auction description, the clock exhibits signs of wear. The cornice shows partial minor impacts along the edges, and the enamel dial beneath the pendulum contains cracks and one small area of loss.

Additionally, the weights show evidence of multiple minor impacts on their undersides. These observations are provided as part of the formal condition assessment by the auction house.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gesims an den Kanten teilweise leicht bestoßen.”
  • “Emailleblatt unter dem Pendel mit Sprüngen und einer kleinen Fehlstelle.”
  • “Gewichte jeweils an den Unterseiten mehrfach bestoßen.”

Open research questions

  • Does the dial signature contain any specific series or model identifiers?
  • Can the movement serial number be linked to a specific manufacturing year in the Gustav Becker factory records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gustav Becker Regulator Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUhrenfabrik Gustav Becker“Uhrenfabrik Gustav Becker”
LocationFreiburg, Schlesien“Freiburg, Schlesien”
MaterialsWalnut veneer on coniferous wood“Nussbaum auf Nadelholz furniert”
Dimensions130 x 43 x 18 cm“H. 130 cm, B. 43 cm, T. 18 cm”
Dial DetailsTwo-part enamel with Roman numerals“zweiteiliges Emaillezifferblatt mit römischen Stunden”
Striking mechanismHalf-hour strike on a coiled gong“Schlagwerk mit Halbstundenschlag auf Tonfeder”
DatingCirca 1880“Um 1880”
ConditionReported functional“Gangfähig”

Visible details

  • Decorative carved mask centered on the upper pediment
  • Two brass weights suspended behind the glazed panel
  • Blued hands with complex pierced ornamentation
  • Enamel dial showing a small loss near the pendulum

Research qualifications

  • The exact production date remains approximate
  • Condition report mentions potential multiple impacts on the underside of weights

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

Consulted source

Regulator. Gustav Becker, Freiburg / Schlesien. Um 1880.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4a7b5573cc

Terms in this record

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

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