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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Türmchenuhr

Türmchenuhr mit Vorderpendel

Partially verified

This table turret clock (Türmchenuhr) is attributed by the auction house to Augsburg, circa 1600. Constructed from fire-gilt bronze and copper, the square case is ornamented with finely engraved foliage, acanthus, and fruit motifs, terminating at the base with four sculptural recumbent lion feet. It is crowned by a pierced dome concealing a bell for the hour strike. The movement features pillar construction with a verge escapement and a prominent front pendulum. Time is displayed on a silvered dial plate featuring Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes.

Front three-quarter view of the gilt metal Türmchenuhr showing the silvered dial, front pendulum, pierced dome, and lion feet
Front three-quarter view of the gilt metal Türmchenuhr showing the silvered dial, front pendulum, pierced dome, and lion feet — Auktionshaus Zofingen. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Türmchenuhr
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1251
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

Object Identity and Attribution

The object is a table turret clock (Türmchenuhr) identified by the auction house as 'Wohl Augsburg um 1600'. This denotes an attribution of location and period rather than a verified fact.

The object is recorded as lot 1251. There is no manufacturer's signature or formal provenance documentation provided in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Lot 1251 : Türmchenuhr mit Vorderpendel”
  • “Wohl Augsburg um 1600.”

Materials and Construction

The clock is composed of fire-gilt bronze and copper. The square case features engraved scrollwork, acanthus, and fruit motifs, supported by four cast figures of recumbent lions.

The upper section consists of a pierced cupola containing a bell, finished with an urn-shaped finial. The case corners are adorned with cast pilasters.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bronze und Kupfer, vergoldet.”
  • “Quadratisches Gehäuse mit fein graviertem Rankenwerk, Akanthus und Obstdekor. Auf vier plastischen Füssen in Form von liegenden Löwen.”
  • “Die Glocke unter durchbrochen gearbeiteter Kuppel.”

Mechanism and Dial Configuration

The movement is described as being constructed with pillars, featuring a verge escapement and a front pendulum. An hour-striking mechanism is present, activating a bell housed within the dome.

The silvered dial displays hours via Roman numerals and minutes via Arabic numerals.

Evidence for this section
  • “Das Werk in Pfeilerbauweise mit Spindelgang und Vorderpendel sowie Stundenschlag auf Glocke.”
  • “Versilbertes Zifferblatt mit römischen Stunden- und arabischen Minutenziffern.”

Open research questions

  • What is the extent of original versus replaced parts within the pillar movement?
  • Does the physical condition of the silvering and gilding align with the attribution of circa 1600?
  • Are there hidden markings on the interior of the case or movement plate that were not documented by the auction house?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Türmchenuhr mit Vorderpendel
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
AttributionProbably Augsburg, circa 1600“Wohl Augsburg um 1600.”
MaterialsBronze and copper, gilded“Bronze und Kupfer, vergoldet.”
Case DesignSquare case with engraved scrollwork, acanthus, and fruit decor, on four recumbent lion feet“Quadratisches Gehäuse mit fein graviertem Rankenwerk, Akanthus und Obstdekor. Auf vier plastischen Füssen in Form von liegenden Löwen.”
Movement and StrikingPillar construction, verge escapement, front pendulum, and hour strike on bell under pierced dome“Das Werk in Pfeilerbauweise mit Spindelgang und Vorderpendel sowie Stundenschlag auf Glocke. Die Glocke unter durchbrochen gearbeiteter Kuppel.”
DialSilvered dial with Roman hours and Arabic minutes“Versilbertes Zifferblatt mit römischen Stunden- und arabischen Minutenziffern.”
Height25.5 cm“Höhe: 25.5cm”

Visible details

  • Front pendulum visibly hangs down across the lower engraved section of the front dial plate.
  • Case corners are mounted with ornate cast pilasters featuring caryatid figures.
  • A pierced gilt cupola surmounts the square case, capped by an urn-shaped finial.
  • Four cast gilt lion figures in couchant poses serve as feet at the corners of the flared base plate.

Research qualifications

  • Augsburg manufacture and the date of circa 1600 are catalogued as an attribution ('Wohl Augsburg um 1600') rather than a signed or documented fact.
  • Movement mechanics and rear construction are described by the auction house but not fully visible in the front photograph.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Türmchenuhr mit Vorderpendel

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 8ee2a058a0

Terms in this record

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