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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Hamburg American Clock Company Empire-style table pendulum clock

Partially verified

This early 20th-century Empire-style table pendulum clock is reported by the auction house to be made by the Hamburg American Clock Company. The wooden case features a circular drum head containing the dial and movement, surmounted by a finial styled as a floral bouquet. The upper section rests upon a portico framed by six columns with metallic capitals and bases, set along an open platform edged with acorn-form finials and decorative gilt trim. Suspended between the pillars is a sunburst pendulum bob. The circular dial displays Arabic numerals behind a hinged glass bezel, measuring approximately 32 cm high by 17 cm wide.

Empire-style portico table clock with six columns, floral crown finial, and sunburst pendulum
Empire-style portico table clock with six columns, floral crown finial, and sunburst pendulum — Hälsinglands Auktionsverk / Auctionet. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctionet.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Hamburg American Clock Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1431140
Source-reported date
early 20th century
Country
Not established

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 Design

This Empire-style table clock features a wooden construction characterized by a portico design supported by six columns. The structure includes decorative elements described as acorn-form finials and a floral bouquet finial positioned at the crown.

A sunburst-shaped pendulum is suspended within the central area of the portico structure.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement supported by six columns.”
  • “Details of acorns and flower bouquet in crown.”
  • “Pendulum in the shape of a sun.”

Condition and Functionality

The auction source reports that the clock has not been functionally tested. It is described as being in used condition with signs of occasional wear.

Additional reported condition notes specify that the upper knob is slightly loose.

Evidence for this section
  • “Not functionally tested”
  • “Used condition, occasional wear.”
  • “Upper knob slightly loose.”

Provenance and Documentation

The item is attributed to the Hamburg American Clock Company by the auction house. This attribution is reported in the source text; however, there is no verification of visible manufacturer stamps or movement markings.

The item is dated by the source to the early 20th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hamburg American Clock Company”
  • “early 20th century”

Open research questions

  • Are there visible maker's marks or serial numbers on the movement plate or case back?
  • Does the structural configuration match known Hamburg American Clock Company 'Empire-style' catalog models from the early 20th century?
  • What is the specific material composition of the columns and the gilt-patterned elements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamburg American Clock Company Empire-style table pendulum clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionHamburg American Clock Company“Hamburg American Clock Company”
Dateearly 20th century“early 20th century”
StructureMovement supported by six columns“Movement supported by six columns.”
OrnamentationAcorns and flower bouquet in crown“Details of acorns and flower bouquet in crown.”
Pendulum formSun shape“Pendulum in the shape of a sun.”
Height32 cm“Height 32 cm”
Width17 cm“Width 17 cm”

Visible details

  • Drum-shaped clock housing with a hinged front glass bezel
  • Dial with Arabic numerals and winding arbor aperture near the 6 o'clock position
  • Open portico structure supported by six wooden columns with metal-toned capitals and bases
  • Sunburst-shaped pendulum bob suspended in the central open area
  • Platform edged with acorn-shaped finials and continuous gilt-patterned frieze banding
  • Crowning floral bouquet finial at the top

Research qualifications

  • Movement was not functionally tested by the auction house
  • Catalogued in used condition with occasional wear and a slightly loose upper knob
  • Attribution to Hamburg American Clock Company is source-reported; movement stamps or maker trademarks are not visible in the primary image

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

Consulted source

TABLE PENDULUM, empire style, Hamburg American Clock Company, early 20th century. Clocks & Watches - Mantel clocks - Auctionet

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 5dce3f3a61

Terms in this record

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

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