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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Horizontal table clock

Monogrammist "AMW" Im Schild Augsburg Table Clock

Partially verified

Catalogued as a circa 1590 South German square table clock attributed to the monogrammist 'AMW' within a shield, this firegilt brass timepiece measures 75 x 120 x 120 mm. The case features cast relief side panels depicting allegorical figures in oval cartouches against architectural backdrops, noted as derived from designs by Caspar Enderlein. The clock rests upon winged claw feet that the auction house notes were added later. The horizontal top dial is engraved with radial Roman numerals I through XII, touch knobs for reading by night, corner cherub spandrels, a central alarm disc, and a single iron hand. The source describes an internal brass movement with verge escapement, foliot, fusee, stackfreed, and bell strike.

Elevated three-quarter view of the square firegilt horizontal table clock showing side relief panels and top dial
Elevated three-quarter view of the square firegilt horizontal table clock showing side relief panels and top dial — Auktionen Dr. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Horizontal table clock
Maker / attribution
Monogrammist AMW im Schild
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
228
Source-reported date
circa 1590
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 Construction and Decorative Relief

The timepiece features a square firegilt brass case measuring 75 x 120 x 120 mm. The side panels are decorated with cast relief friezes depicting the allegorical figures Minerva, Rhetorica, Dialectica, and Grammatica set within oval cartouches against architectural backdrops.

The auction description notes these relief scenes are based on designs by the Swiss-German pewterer and block cutter Caspar Enderlein. The base of the clock is supported by winged claw feet, which are documented as a later addition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dimensions 75 x 120 x 120 mm”
  • “Firegilt brass case, cast relief decoration”
  • “The side panels are decorated with finely cast relief friezes depicting allegorical scenes based on the designs of the Swiss-German pewterer and block cutter Caspar Enderlein (1560–1633). They show the figures Minerva, Rhetorica, Dialectica, and Grammatica set within oval cartouches, with various city views in the background.”
  • “winged claw feet (added later)”

Dial Configuration and Timekeeping Elements

The dial is made of firegilt brass and engraved with a radial Roman numeral chapter ring ranging from I to XII. The corners of the dial plate feature spandrels decorated with winged cherub heads.

A single iron hand indicates the time. The dial also includes a central alarm disc, a control indicator for the striking mechanism, and applied touch knobs intended for nocturnal time reading.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Brass, firegilt, engraved, corner spandrels filled with winged cherubs heads, engraved chapter ring with radial Roman hours I-XII, applied hour knobs for time reading by night, central alarm disc, control indicator for the striking mechanism, single iron hand.”

Mechanism and Internal Movement

The clock is equipped with a square brass movement bearing a punchmark of 'AMW' within a shield. The mechanism utilizes a verge escapement and a two-arm iron rim foliot without a balance spring.

The movement features a fusee and gut line system, with two barrels powering the hour strike and the alarm. Additional components include a stackfreed, a bell strike with two hammers, a hog's bristle regulator, and screwed-on decorations.

Evidence for this section
  • “Square brass movement, punchmark AMW within a shield, screwed on decorations, gut/fusee, 2 barrels for hour strike and alarm, 2 hammers / 1 bell, hog's bristle, stackfreed, verge escapement, two-arm iron rim foliot without balance spring.”

Attribution and Provenance

The identity of the master who created the 'AMW' punchmark remains unverified, with Jürgen Abeler attributing the monogram to an unknown master.

The clock was historically part of the Ernst Sarasin-Vonder Mühll Collection in Basel and was previously auctioned by Galerie Fischer on 18 November 1948.

Evidence for this section
  • “Jürgen Abeler attributes the monogram "AMW" to an unknown master.”
  • “It was part of the world-famous Ernst Sarasin-Vonder Mühll Collection in Basel and auctioned by Galerie Fischer on 18 November 1948.”

Open research questions

  • What is the nature of the 'screwed on decorations' mentioned in the source?
  • Are there other records of works associated with the 'AMW' monogram that help clarify the master's identity beyond the mention of the British Museum and Stiftsmuseum Klosterneuburg examples?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Monogrammist "AMW" Im Schild Augsburg Table Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dimensions75 x 120 x 120 mm“Dimensions 75 x 120 x 120 mm”
OriginSüddeutschland“Origin Süddeutschland”
Maker's MarkPunchmark AMW within a shield“punchmark AMW within a shield”
EscapementVerge escapement with two-arm iron rim foliot“verge escapement, two-arm iron rim foliot without balance spring”
FeetWinged claw feet noted as added later“winged claw feet (added later)”
Dated Attributecirca 1590“circa 1590”

Visible details

  • Square horizontal firegilt brass case with low relief figural panels on the sides
  • Single decorative iron hand positioned over an engraved horizontal dial plate
  • Darker-toned winged claw feet supporting the bottom corners
  • Relief scene visible on the front panel with an allegorical figure and an architectural backdrop

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior mechanism are not visible in the photo
  • Catalogue notes that the winged claw feet were added later
  • Identity of monogrammist 'AMW' remains unknown according to Jürgen Abeler cited in catalogue

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

Consulted source

At Auction: Monogrammist "AMW" Im Schild - Augsburg Table Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 1d02fabd4c

Terms in this record

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

Other horizontal table clock records