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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component · Clock pendulum

Riefler Invar Pendulum

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this precision clock pendulum was produced in Germany around 1920 by Riefler. It is constructed with nickel and iron alloy components and measures 47 inches in overall length. The lenticular bob is stamped with marks indicating Riefler, München, patent D.H.R. 100870, and serial number 1795. The assembly is fitted with a 40-tooth rating nut and locking device beneath the bob, and the auction record notes that the top pendulum hook is also stamped with number 1795.

Lower portion of Riefler invar pendulum showing lenticular bob, rating nut, and rod assembly
Lower portion of Riefler invar pendulum showing lenticular bob, rating nut, and rod assembly — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Component · Clock pendulum
Maker / attribution
Sigmund Riefler
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
106
Source-reported date
c. 1920
Country
Germany
Source-reported serial
1795

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

Object Identity and Markings

Catalogued as a precision clock component from Germany dating to circa 1920, this assembly is catalogued under the title "Riefler Invar Pendulum". The catalog description notes that the bob is marked "Riefler , Munchen , D.H.R. 100870 , 1795.", and that the pendulum hook is stamped "1795".

The overall length recorded in the catalog is 47 inches. While the record gives the origin as Germany and c. 1920, the specific maker Sigmund Riefler is not explicitly spelled out in full in the text of the lot description, though the bob is marked with the Riefler name and Munich location.

Evidence for this section
  • “Riefler Invar Pendulum, Germany, c. 1920”
  • “bob marked Riefler , Munchen , D.H.R. 100870 , 1795.”
  • “pendulum hook stamped 1795”
  • “lg. 47 in.”

Observed Construction and Mechanism

The visible portion of the assembly features a circular lenticular bob fitted over a cylindrical rod. Positioned directly beneath the bob is a bracket mechanism and a toothed adjustment rating nut.

The auction description notes that the assembly comprises "nickel/iron alloy components" and includes a "40-tooth rating nut with lock". Direct visual observation confirms the toothed adjustment rating nut and bracket beneath the bob, though individual tooth counts cannot be independently confirmed from the photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular lenticular bob fitted over a cylindrical rod”
  • “Toothed adjustment rating nut visible beneath the bob with bracket mechanism”
  • “nickel/iron alloy components”
  • “40-tooth rating nut with lock”

Surface Condition and Documentation Limitations

In the catalog photograph, the assembly presents a matted metallic surface showing minor patina and surface wear. In its condition notes, the auction house reports: "Pendulum lacking original high polish."

Documentation of the object remains limited. The upper section of the 47-inch assembly, including any suspension mechanism and the hook stamped 1795, is out of frame in the single catalog image, leaving the reported hook stamping unverified by visible photography.

Evidence for this section
  • “Matted metallic surface showing minor patina and surface wear”
  • “Pendulum lacking original high polish.”

Open research questions

  • What specific suspension arrangement or upper fitting is present on the top hook not depicted in the catalog photograph?
  • Does the stamped inscription 'D.H.R. 100870' represent a transcription of German patent D.R.P. 100870 granted to Sigmund Riefler?
  • Can serial number 1795 be matched against Riefler factory production records to verify the exact build date and original regulator model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Riefler Invar Pendulum
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
OriginGermany“Germany, c. 1920”
MaterialsNickel/iron alloy components“nickel/iron alloy components”
Bob MarkingsRiefler, Munchen, D.H.R. 100870, 1795.“bob marked Riefler , Munchen , D.H.R. 100870 , 1795.”
Rating Nut40-tooth rating nut with lock“40-tooth rating nut with lock”
Hook MarkingStamped 1795“pendulum hook stamped 1795”
Length47 inches“lg. 47 in.”
Lot Number106“Lot 106”
Auction Estimate$800 - $1,200“Estimate $800-1,200”

Visible details

  • Circular lenticular bob fitted over a cylindrical rod
  • Toothed adjustment rating nut visible beneath the bob with bracket mechanism
  • Matted metallic surface showing minor patina and surface wear

Research qualifications

  • Source reports the pendulum lacks original high polish
  • Top suspension spring or upper hook details are out of frame in Photo 0

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

Consulted source

Riefler Invar Pendulum sold at auction on 25th April | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 99879b6c3e

Terms in this record

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

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