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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

South German Renaissance Drum-Shaped Table Clock

Partially verified

This horizontal drum-shaped Renaissance table clock with hour striking is described by the auction house as dating to circa 1600 and of presumed Southern German origin. The firegilt brass case measures 85 by 101 mm and stands on three bun feet. Its top plate features an engraved chapter ring displaying Roman hours I–XII and Arabic numerals 1–24, twelve raised touch pieces for tactile night reading, and a central engraved sunburst motif tracked by a single blued iron hand. The cylindrical case band is decorated with scrolling foliate engraving, two inverted coats of arms, and heart-shaped pierced sound openings.

Three-quarter elevated view of the Renaissance drum-shaped table clock showing the engraved horizontal dial and pierced case band
Three-quarter elevated view of the Renaissance drum-shaped table clock showing the engraved horizontal dial and pierced case band — Auktionen Dr. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
237
Source-reported date
circa 1600
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 and Exterior Construction

The clock is housed in a firegilt brass, cylindrical, drum-shaped case measuring 85 by 101 mm. The case features profiled edges and is engraved on all sides with floral and foliate scrolls, hatching motifs, and two heraldic coats of arms, both of which are engraved upside down. The assembly rests on three bun feet.

The upper section of the drum is pierced with heart-shaped sound openings to accommodate the bell, which is noted as a later addition. The baseplate's rim is engraved with a stylized floral motif, and its center features flame-like foliate scrolls surrounding a mascaron. A winding aperture is visible on the lower side band.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dimensions 85 x 101 mm”
  • “Case: Brass, firegilt, pushed bottom, engraved on all sides, profiled edges.”
  • “two heraldic coats of arms, both engraved upside down”
  • “In the upper section are heart-shaped sound openings for the later-added bell”
  • “Its rim is engraved with a stylised floral motif, while the centre shows flame-like, flickering foliate scrolls surrounding a central mascaron.”

Dial Configuration

The horizontal dial is made of firegilt brass and features an engraved central sunray motif. Time is tracked by a single blued iron hand mounted on the center arbor.

The chapter ring is engraved with Roman numerals I–XII and an outer track of Arabic numerals 1–24. The dial includes twelve touch pieces to facilitate reading the time by touch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Brass, firegilt, engraved chapter ring with Roman hours "I-XII" and Arabic numerals "1-24", 12 touch pieces for night reading, central engraved sunray motif, single blued iron hand.”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is housed in the lower part of the drum and utilizes a solid iron frame, brass and iron wheels, a count wheel, and a winding bypass for the striking train. A gilt balance cock is positioned on the underside of the movement.

The mechanism includes a verge escapement. The auction documentation notes that the bell is a later addition and the three-arm brass balance is a later replacement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movm.: Solid iron frame, brass and iron wheels, 2 barrels, 1 hammer / 1 bell (bell later), count wheel, winding bypass for striking train, verge escapement, three-arm brass balance.”
  • “bell later”
  • “later balance”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the heraldic coats of arms being engraved upside down?
  • What specific restoration history exists for the 're-build' mentioned in the condition report?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for South German Renaissance Drum-Shaped Table Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dimensions85 x 101 mm“Dimensions 85 x 101 mm”
Case ConstructionBrass, firegilt, engraved on all sides“Case: Brass, firegilt, pushed bottom, engraved on all sides, profiled edges.”
Dial ConfigurationRoman hours I-XII, Arabic numerals 1-24, and 12 touch pieces“engraved chapter ring with Roman hours "I-XII" and Arabic numerals "1-24", 12 touch pieces for night reading”
HandSingle blued iron hand“single blued iron hand”
Movement MechanismSolid iron frame with verge escapement and later balance“Solid iron frame, brass and iron wheels, 2 barrels, 1 hammer / 1 bell (bell later), count wheel, winding bypass for striking train, verge escapement, three-arm brass balance.”
Estimated Datecirca 1600“circa 1600”
OriginPresumed Southern German“presumably of Southern German origin”

Visible details

  • Cylindrical firegilt brass drum-shaped case resting on three low bun feet
  • Horizontal dial with an outer track of Roman numerals I through XII, an inner track of Arabic numerals 1 through 24, and raised touch pieces
  • Engraved multi-pointed sunburst design radiating from the central arbor
  • Single blued iron pointer mounted on the center arbor with a counterpoised tail
  • Trefoil- or heart-shaped sound apertures pierced around the upper register of the drum wall
  • Finely engraved foliate scrollwork and heraldic shield motifs around the side band
  • Small winding aperture visible on the lower side band

Research qualifications

  • The source reports the bell as a later addition and notes the balance is also a later replacement.
  • Southern German origin is catalogued as presumed by the auction house.
  • Movement and baseplate underside are not visible in the supplied photograph.

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

Consulted source

At Auction: Anonymous - South German Table Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 999bede8f0

Terms in this record

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

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