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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mystery clock

Reproduction Mystery Clock Figure with Attributed Junghans Movement

Partially verified

This swing arm mystery clock consists of a reproduction spelter figure of a maiden in Classical robes bearing the signature of German sculptor Franz Iffland on its base. The figure supports an early 20th-century unsigned dial and swing-arm movement apparatus designed in a style commonly attributed to Junghans. Measuring 13.5 inches tall, the entire assembly is mounted upon a circular stepped base. The source notes that the clock is in very good cosmetic condition without chips or cracks, though its precise running condition is not known.

Front full view of the reproduction spelter maiden holding the swing-arm mystery clock
Front full view of the reproduction spelter maiden holding the swing-arm mystery clock — Soulis Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Mystery clock
Maker / attribution
Junghans (attributed)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
700
Source-reported date
early 20th 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

Composition and Sculptural Figure

The lot is described as a swing arm mystery clock measuring 13.5 inches tall. It is comprised of a reproduction maiden cast from spelter depicted in Classical robes, marked with the signature of Iffland on the base referring to German artist Franz Iffland (1862–1935).

Direct visual inspection shows a patinated spelter maiden standing on a circular dark plinth accented with floral details. The auction catalog notes the figure as a reproduction casting rather than a period lifetime work.

Evidence for this section
  • “The swing arm mystery clock comprised of a reproduction maiden in Classical robes cast from spelter”
  • “signature of Iffland on the base for the German artist Franz Iffland (1862-1935)”
  • “Measures 13.5 inches.”
  • “Patinated spelter maiden standing on a circular dark plinth with applied floral accents”

Dial and Swing-Arm Movement

The figure is set with an early 20th-century swing-arm apparatus carrying an unsigned dial and movement. While the mechanism and dial are unsigned, the configuration is noted as being in a style commonly attributed to Junghans.

Observations confirm a swing-arm pendulum mechanism with a white dial displaying Arabic numerals, suspended via a gilded or brass gridiron-style swing assembly terminating in a spherical pendulum bob.

Evidence for this section
  • “set with an early 20th century unsigned dial and movement swing arm apparatus in style commonly attributed to Junghans”
  • “Swing-arm pendulum mechanism with a white dial displaying Arabic numerals”
  • “Gilded or brass gridiron-style swing assembly terminating in a spherical pendulum bob”

Condition and Mechanical Status

The auctioneer catalog reports the item in very good condition, noting that there are no chips, cracks, repairs, scratches, or areas of heavy wear.

Operational running condition is explicitly stated as not known, leaving timekeeping functionality and mechanical completeness unverified in the documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “There are no chips, cracks, repairs, scratches or areas of heavy wear.”
  • “The precise running condition is not known.”

Open research questions

  • Are there internal stamps or trademarks on the movement plates inside the swing-arm casing confirming Junghans manufacture?
  • Can the foundry or period of the reproduction spelter casting of the Iffland maiden be identified through casting marks or seams?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Reproduction Mystery Clock Figure with Attributed Junghans Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Figure MaterialSpelter“reproduction maiden in Classical robes cast from spelter”
Base SignatureIffland“signature of Iffland on the base for the German artist Franz Iffland (1862-1935)”
Movement AttributionJunghans style“early 20th century unsigned dial and movement swing arm apparatus in style commonly attributed to Junghans”
Height13.5 inches“Measures 13.5 inches.”
Reported ConditionVery good condition (no chips, cracks, repairs, scratches or areas of heavy wear reported)“Very good condition. There are no chips, cracks, repairs, scratches or areas of heavy wear.”
Running ConditionNot known“The precise running condition is not known.”

Visible details

  • Patinated spelter maiden standing on a circular dark plinth with applied floral accents
  • Swing-arm pendulum mechanism with a white dial displaying Arabic numerals
  • Gilded or brass gridiron-style swing assembly terminating in a spherical pendulum bob

Research qualifications

  • The figure is catalogued as a reproduction.
  • The dial and movement are unsigned, making the Junghans identification an attribution only.
  • Running condition is explicitly stated as not known.

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

Consulted source

A REPRO MYSTERY CLOCK FIGURE WITH JUNGHANS ATTRIB MVMT sold at auction on 6th December | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e2a99f0d9c

Terms in this record

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

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