Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

J.K. Diedrich Skeleton Clock in Glazed Case with Console

Partially verified

This lot documents a skeleton clock attributed by the auction house as a custom-made creation by clockmaker J.K. Diedrich in Einbeck, presented in a glazed wooden case alongside a matching tapered wall console. The clock features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and blued Breguet hands, framed by an engraved bezel. According to the catalog, the movement is constructed of solid gilt brass with a scissor escapement, combining spring and string winding. Additional source-reported technical features include a lower half-hour disc striking mechanism sounding on a bell, attached blued levers, and an adjustable pendulum.

Front view of the J.K. Diedrich skeleton clock inside its wooden case shown alongside its console
Front view of the J.K. Diedrich skeleton clock inside its wooden case shown alongside its console — Historia Auctionata. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
J.K. Diedrich
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
3427
Source-reported date
Not established
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

Construction and Housing

The lot comprises a skeleton clock presented within a rectangular wood-framed glazed case, noted by the auction house as containing ebonized parts. A separate tapered wall console is associated with the clock.

The clock movement features plates with curved arching architecture, which expose the escapement and striking components.

Evidence for this section
  • “wooden case with ebonized parts 60x41x19cm”
  • “wall console 30x40x19cm”
  • “Movement plates display curved arching architecture with visible escapement and striking components.”

Dial and Inscriptions

The time is indicated on a white enamel dial featuring black Roman numerals. The dial is equipped with blued Breguet hands and an engraved bezel.

The dial bears the inscription 'J. K. Diedrich' positioned above the center and 'IN EINBECK' below the center.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial with black roman numerals”
  • “blued Breguet hands”
  • “The white enamel dial bears the inscription 'J. K. Diedrich' above the center and 'IN EINBECK' below.”

Mechanical Features

The movement is constructed of solid gilt brass and features a scissor escapement. The mechanism utilizes a combination of spring and string winding. A disc striking mechanism is located at the bottom of the movement, designed to sound on a bell at half-hour intervals, utilizing attached blued levers.

The movement includes a pendulum described as rusty, noted as having fine regulation.

Evidence for this section
  • “solid brass gilt movement with scissor escapement and a combination of spring and string winding”
  • “1/2 hour disc striking mechanism at the bottom and striking on bell”
  • “blued levers attached”
  • “rusty pendulum with fine regulation”

Open research questions

  • What historical records exist for a clockmaker named J.K. Diedrich in Einbeck?
  • What is the historical context of a 'scissor escapement' combined with 'string winding' in German skeleton clocks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.K. Diedrich Skeleton Clock in Glazed Case with Console
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker AttributionJ.K. Diedrich in Einbeck“custom-made by clockmaker J.K. Diedrich in Einbeck”
DialWhite enamel dial with Roman numerals“white enamel dial with black roman numerals”
HandsBlued Breguet hands“blued Breguet hands”
Movement MechanismSolid brass gilt with scissor escapement“solid brass gilt movement with scissor escapement and a combination of spring and string winding”
Striking Mechanism1/2 hour disc striking on bell“1/2 hour disc striking mechanism at the bottom and striking on bell”
Movement Dimensions45 x 24 x 17 cm“dimensions of the movement 45x24x17cm”
Case Dimensions60 x 41 x 19 cm“wooden case with ebonized parts 60x41x19cm”
Console Dimensions30 x 40 x 19 cm“wall console 30x40x19cm”
Maker AttributionJ.K. Diedrich“custom-made by clockmaker J.K. Diedrich in Einbeck”
Auction House AttributionUnconfirmed status“this may be a masterpiece”

Visible details

  • Clock is housed in a rectangular wood-framed glazed display box with pediment top.
  • A separate tapered wooden wall bracket or console is positioned adjacent to the clock case.
  • The white enamel dial bears the inscription 'J. K. Diedrich' above the center and 'IN EINBECK' below.
  • Movement plates display curved arching architecture with visible escapement and striking components.

Research qualifications

  • Auction catalog states 'this may be a masterpiece' as an unconfirmed possibility.
  • Catalog notes a 'rusty pendulum with fine regulation', indicating surface corrosion.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Clocks, SKELETON CLOCK IN BOX WITH CONS

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 9d7935be4d

Terms in this record

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

Other skeleton clock records