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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Portal clock

Portal clock with musical movement

Partially verified

This portal clock, dating to approximately 1825, is signed "Carl Balzarek in Littau" on its enamel dial. The timepiece features an ebonized case accented with mother-of-pearl fittings and four alabaster columns. It incorporates a three-train brass pendulum movement that performs a quarter-hour strike on two spiral springs and includes a repetition feature activated by a cord pull. The dial also displays a central date indication. Integrated into the base is a musical movement with a sectional comb featuring 64 teeth, arranged in groups of four, which plays two melodies. This musical mechanism is triggered hourly by the clockwork. The clock is suspended with a long pendulum. As reported in the auction description, the clockwork mechanism and the musical movement are functional. The total height of the object is 25 inches (64 cm), and the piece is supplied with its keys.

Front view of the portal clock showing the enamel dial, alabaster columns, and ebonized case.
Front view of the portal clock showing the enamel dial, alabaster columns, and ebonized case. — Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Portal clock
Maker / attribution
Carl Balzarek
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
297
Source-reported date
c. 1825
Source-reported place
Czech Republic

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 and Dial

The clock is housed in an ebonized case, incorporating four alabaster columns as primary structural elements of the portal design. Decorative mother-of-pearl fittings are applied across the case exterior.

The enamel dial features central date indication and is signed "Carl Balzarek in Littau". It is visible through the architectural framing of the columns, with a long pendulum suspended behind the dial in the central cavity.

Evidence for this section
  • “ebonized case, mother-of-pearl fittings, 4 alabaster columns”
  • “enamel dial, signed "Carl Balzarek in Littau", center with date indication, long pendulum”

Movement and Musical Mechanism

The clock is powered by a three-train brass pendulum movement. It includes a quarter-hour striking train operating on two spiral springs, as well as a repetition function activated via a cord pull.

A musical movement is installed within the base, capable of playing two melodies. It features a sectional comb with 64 teeth, configured in groups of four, with the bass notes situated on the right side. The musical mechanism is activated on an hourly basis by the primary clockwork mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-train brass pendulum movement, quarter-hour strike on two spiral springs, repetition with cord pull”
  • “two-air sectional-comb with 64 teeth in groups of four (complete), bass notes on the right-hand side, released via clockwork mechanism”

Condition and Included Accessories

The auction description notes that both the clockwork and the musical movement are currently in working order.

The clock is provided with its winding keys, which are necessary for the operation of the distinct mechanical functions.

Evidence for this section
  • “the clockwork mechanism and musical movement are in working order (no guarantee to running time or accuracy)”
  • “with keys”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific geographical location and historical context of 'Littau' in relation to the maker Carl Balzarek?
  • To what extent are the mother-of-pearl fittings original to the c. 1825 production date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Portal clock with musical movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCarl Balzarek in Littau“signed "Carl Balzarek in Littau”
Datec. 1825“c. 1825”
Striking mechanismQuarter-hour strike on two spiral springs“quarter-hour strike on two spiral springs”
Musical movementTwo-air, 64-tooth sectional comb“two-air sectional-comb with 64 teeth in groups of four (complete)”
Movement typeThree-train brass pendulum“Three-train brass pendulum movement”
Dimensions25 inches“total height 25 in.”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial with date indication
  • Musical comb with 64 teeth
  • Ebonized case with mother-of-pearl inlay
  • Four alabaster columns

Research qualifications

  • Operational state of clock and musical movement is not guaranteed for accuracy or duration
  • Date attributed circa 1825 by the auction house

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

Consulted source

Portal Clock with Musical Movement, c. 1825

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 49a75a4924

Terms in this record

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

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