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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Table clock movement

Michael Schultz Early 18th Century German Table Clock Movement

Partially verified

This early 18th-century German table clock movement is described by Gorringe's as having an engraved back plate signed by Michael Schultz of Danzig. Constructed with circular brass plates measuring 10.5 cm in diameter, the movement features five pillars, a chain-driven fusee, and a balance wheel escapement. The mechanism operates with a single central hand visible on the dial plate and is presented mounted on side brackets beneath a protective glass display dome measuring 21 cm in height.

Table clock movement under a glass dome on a wooden base
Table clock movement under a glass dome on a wooden base — Gorringe's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auction.gorringes.co.uk
Category
Movement · Table clock movement
Maker / attribution
Michael Schultz
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
33
Source-reported date
Early 18th century
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

Movement Identity and Signature

The object is identified as an early 18th-century German table clock movement. The source reports that the engraved back plate is signed by Michael Schultz of Danzig.

The engraved signature remains unverified by direct observation, as the back plate is not visible from the current frontal display angle.

Evidence for this section
  • “An early 18th century German table clock movement”
  • “the engraved back plate signed Michael Schultz, Danzig”

Construction and Mechanism

The movement is constructed with brass plates measuring 10.5 cm in diameter. It features a five-pillar configuration, a chain-driven fusee mechanism, and a balance wheel escapement.

The assembly includes a single central hand visible on the dial plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “brass plates, 10.5cm diameter”
  • “five pillar chain driven fusee movement”
  • “with single hand, balance wheel escapement”

Display Configuration

The movement is mounted for display beneath a glass dome measuring 21 cm in height. The assembly includes lateral metal support posts, though their origin in relation to the clock movement is not recorded in the source.

The base of the assembly is observed to be circular and covered with a maroon-colored textile.

Evidence for this section
  • “mounted for display under a glass dome, the dome 21cm high”

Open research questions

  • Does internal inspection confirm the presence of the Michael Schultz signature on the back plate?
  • What is the historical relationship between the movement and the current display supports and dome?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Michael Schultz Early 18th Century German Table Clock Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMichael Schultz“signed Michael Schultz, Danzig”
PeriodEarly 18th century“An early 18th century German table clock movement”
EscapementBalance wheel escapement“balance wheel escapement”
DriveChain-driven fusee“five pillar chain driven fusee movement”
Plate Diameter10.5 cm“brass plates, 10.5cm diameter”
Display Dome Height21 cm“mounted for display under a glass dome, the dome 21cm high”
Plate Diameter10.5 cm“brass plates, 10.5cm diameter”
Dome Height21 cm“the dome 21cm high”

Visible details

  • Circular brass movement plate with top-mounted gearing and a central blued steel hand.
  • The movement is mounted horizontally on lateral metal support posts above a circular base covered with maroon textile.
  • The entire assembly is enclosed under a rounded glass dome set into a stepped black circular plinth.

Research qualifications

  • The engraved signature on the back plate reported by the auction catalogue is not visible from this frontal angle.
  • The glass display dome and support posts are later presentation fittings rather than integral parts of the clock movement.

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

Consulted source

An early 18th century German table clock movement, the engraved back plate signed Michael Schultz, Danzig, with single hand, balance wheel escapement, brass plates, 10.5cm diameter, and five pillar chain driven fusee mov Sale 060726 - Lot 33 - - Gorringe's

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 5ab101bab4

Terms in this record

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