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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · 400-day torsion clock

Jahresuhren-Fabrik German 400-Day Torsion Clock Under Dome

Partially verified

According to the auction house, this German 400-day torsion clock was manufactured by Jahresuhren-Fabrik and dates to circa the 1920s. The clock is housed under a clear glass dome on a stepped circular brass base. It features a square upper clock case supported by two fluted columns with white or silvered reeding, topped by an ornamental crest. The dial face presents a circular silvered chapter ring with Arabic numerals surrounding a pink guilloché enamel center, marked Germany below the 12 o'clock position. Below the case hangs a four-ball rotating torsion pendulum.

Front view of Jahresuhren-Fabrik 400-day torsion clock under glass dome with pink enamel dial
Front view of Jahresuhren-Fabrik 400-day torsion clock under glass dome with pink enamel dial — McLaren Auction Services. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · 400-day torsion clock
Maker / attribution
Jahresuhren-Fabrik
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0301
Source-reported date
circa 1920s
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 Suspension Configuration

The clock is housed under a clear glass dome on a stepped circular brass base, measuring 12 inches high by 7 inches wide and 7 inches deep. The upper case unit is supported by two fluted vertical columns with white or silvered accents and is surmounted by an ornate dark cresting.

Suspended below the main movement housing is a four-ball rotating torsion pendulum. Visible age patination is apparent on the stepped base, aligning with the auction listing's report of minor wear to the base.

Evidence for this section
  • “measures 12" H, 7" W, 7" D”
  • “under a glass dome”
  • “The clock shows minor wearing to the base.”
  • “Two fluted vertical columns with white or silvered accents supporting the upper clock unit.”
  • “Four-ball torsion pendulum suspended beneath the movement housing.”

Dial Design and Inscriptions

The dial displays a circular chapter ring with Arabic numerals surrounding a pink engine-turned enamel center. It is marked "Germany" below the 12 o'clock position.

No additional maker markings or logos are noted on the dial face in the source record or visual observations, leaving the country designation as the only documented dial inscription.

Evidence for this section
  • “pink enamel dial”
  • “clock face marked "Germany"”
  • “Circular dial ring with Arabic numerals enclosing a pink engine-turned enamel center marked 'Germany'.”

Mechanism Verification and Maker Limitations

The auction catalog identifies the clock as a German 400-day torsion clock by Jahresuhren-Fabrik, dated circa the 1920s. However, because the rear movement plate is not depicted, maker hallmarks, patent stamps, or serial numbers cannot be directly confirmed from the provided listing.

Furthermore, internal mechanical condition, gear train integrity, and the presence or completeness of the suspension wire are not documented in the listing record.

Evidence for this section
  • “A Jahresuhren-Fabrik of Germany”
  • “400 day torsion clock”
  • “circa 1920s”

Open research questions

  • Does the rear movement backplate display the Jahresuhren-Fabrik elephant trademark or specific patent markings verifying the manufacturer?
  • Is the torsion suspension wire and its corresponding top and bottom blocks intact and functional?
  • Are there rear plate date codes or serial numbers corroborating the circa 1920s dating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jahresuhren-Fabrik German 400-Day Torsion Clock Under Dome
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJahresuhren-Fabrik“A Jahresuhren-Fabrik of Germany”
Movement Type400 day torsion clock“400 day torsion clock”
Dial DescriptionPink enamel dial“pink enamel dial”
Dial InscriptionGermany“clock face marked "Germany"”
Dimensions12" H, 7" W, 7" D“measures 12" H, 7" W, 7" D”
Datecirca 1920s“circa 1920s”
Base ConditionMinor wear to base“The clock shows minor wearing to the base.”

Visible details

  • Square clock housing surmounted by an ornate dark cresting.
  • Two fluted vertical columns with white or silvered accents supporting the upper clock unit.
  • Circular dial ring with Arabic numerals enclosing a pink engine-turned enamel center marked 'Germany'.
  • Four-ball torsion pendulum suspended beneath the movement housing.
  • Stepped circular brass base beneath a high-domed clear glass cover, displaying visible age patination.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement condition, backplate markings, and suspension wire completeness are not visible or documented.
  • Attribution to Jahresuhren-Fabrik is source-reported and cannot be verified from the visible front photograph.

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

Consulted source

Jahresuhren-fabrik German 400 Day Torsion Clock Under Dome - Sep 10, 2025 | Mclaren Auction Services In Or

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e1334afdf8

Terms in this record

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