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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

Gustav Becker Vienna Wall Clock

Partially verified

This wall clock is identified by the source as a German-made timepiece by Gustav Becker, dating to approximately 1890. It features an 8-day gong-striking movement that sounds at half-hour and hourly intervals. The case is constructed from walnut, featuring an architectural arched top pediment and ebonized turned pillars flanking the glazed section. The white enamel dial is complemented by original ornate foliate hands. The timekeeping mechanism is weight-driven, utilizing two weights visible through the glass. The clock measures 108 cm in height, 35 cm in width, and 14 cm in depth. The auction description reports that the clock is in working order and was recently serviced, noting that minor signs of age and cosmetic wear are present on the case and dial. The clock comes with a winding key.

Full view of the Gustav Becker Vienna-style wall clock, displaying the walnut case, arched pediment, and visible weights and pendulum.
Full view of the Gustav Becker Vienna-style wall clock, displaying the walnut case, arched pediment, and visible weights and pendulum. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
Gustav Becker
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
z14
Source-reported date
ca 1890
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

The clock is housed in a walnut case featuring an architectural arched top pediment. The central portion of the case is glazed, allowing for a view of the twin weights and pendulum. Ebonized turned pillars are positioned on each side of the glazed door, providing structural framing.

The dial is composed of white enamel and displays Roman numerals for the hours. It is fitted with original ornate foliate hands. The auction description notes that the exterior components exhibit minor signs of age and cosmetic wear consistent with its production date.

The design follows the traditional Vienna wall clock aesthetic, characterized by its elongated, glazed vertical profile that displays the internal movement components during operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Arched top Walnut and glazed case”
  • “Original enamel dial with original ornate foliate hands”
  • “The case is made of walnut with ebonized turned pillars flanking each side of the glazed case, architectural arched top top pediment.”

Movement

The clock is powered by an 8-day movement that operates via a twin-weight system. This mechanism is configured to strike a gong on the hour and at half-hour intervals. The weights and pendulum are suspended within the glazed section of the walnut cabinet.

The auction description reports that the movement is in working order and has recently undergone servicing.

Evidence for this section
  • “8 day gong striking movement, strikes half hour and hourly”
  • “Twin Weight”
  • “Working Order, recently serviced”

Condition and Attribution

Attributed to the manufacturer Gustav Becker, this clock is dated by the source to circa 1890. It is identified by the source as a German-made production. The current listing provides an SKU number for identification purposes.

Regarding its physical state, the auction description reports that the clock remains in good condition relative to its age.

Evidence for this section
  • “German made by Gustav becker”
  • “Ca 1890”
  • “Good condition for age, showing minor signs of age and cosmetic wear to the case and dial”

Open research questions

  • Can the specific Gustav Becker factory or workshop location be identified from the movement markings?
  • What are the specific materials used for the dial backing and the weight casings?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gustav Becker Vienna Wall Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGustav Becker“German made by Gustav becker”
Dateca 1890“Ca 1890”
Movement8 day gong striking“8 day gong striking movement”
Case materialWalnut with ebonized details“The case is made of walnut with ebonized turned pillars”
Dimensions108cm x 35cm x 14cm“Measures 108cm height, 35cm width. 14cm depth.”
SKUz14“SKU: z14”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Twin weights visible within the glazed case
  • Architectural arched top pediment
  • Ebonized turned pillars bordering the glazed trunk

Research qualifications

  • Exact mechanism caliber is unverified
  • Provenance prior to current listing is undocumented

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

Consulted source

Fabulous Gustav becker Vienna twin Weight Wall clock –  ca1890

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 74ade1cb3c

Terms in this record

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