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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

Viennese cathedral clock

Partially verified

This Viennese cathedral clock, dated to around 1850, features a case constructed of wood, identified as probably pear, with a blackened finish. The superstructure is designed to resemble a Gothic church portal, incorporating four fluted columns equipped with brass capitals. The lower section of the clock exhibits a bulbous, conically tapering form. Architectural detailing includes three oriels with pointed gables situated between the columns, complemented by a floral-painted front rendered in gold and red tones. The clock houses a Viennese movement, accessed via a profiled circular cutout, which includes a 4/4th strike function on two tone spirals and . The white enameled dial displays Roman numerals. According to the auction description, the clock is functional, retains an old restored condition, and displays signs of age and use. Dimensions are approximately 80 cm in height, 37 cm in width, and 19 cm in depth.

Front view of the blackened wooden Viennese cathedral clock with floral decoration and gothic-style architectural features.
Front view of the blackened wooden Viennese cathedral clock with floral decoration and gothic-style architectural features. — Auktionshaus Wersching (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
551
Source-reported date
around 1850
Source-reported place
Austria

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 Aesthetic Design

The front elevation is structured with four fluted columns topped by brass capitals, creating a vertical architectural frame.

Below the dial, the case features three oriels with pointed gables. The front surface is ornamented with floral painting executed in a palette of gold and red tones. The lower section of the case tapers conically, contributing to the overall bulbous appearance of the wall-mounted object.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case made of wood (probably pear), blackened, superstructure in the shape of a Gothic church portal, in the front four fluted columns with brass capitals.”
  • “Between the columns three oriels with pointed gables, above them floral painted front in gold and red tones.”

Movement and Dial

The timekeeping is provided by a Viennese movement, which is contained within a profiled circular aperture. The dial is made of white enamel and is marked with Roman numerals for the hours.

The movement is equipped with a 4/4th strike mechanism that operates on two tone spirals. The pendulum is supported by a thread suspension system,

Evidence for this section
  • “Profiled circular cutout with built-in Viennese movement, this with 4/4th strike on two tone spirals and thread suspension of the pendulum”
  • “bulged, white enameled dial with Roman numerals.”

Condition and Dimensions

The auction description reports that the clock is currently functional. It is noted to be in an old restored condition and shows signs of age and use consistent with its mid-19th-century dating.

The physical dimensions of the clock are recorded as approximately 80 centimeters in height, 37 centimeters in width, and 19 centimeters in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clock is functional, signs of age and use, old restored condition.”
  • “H. ca. 80 cm, W. ca. 37 cm, D ca. 19 cm.”

Open research questions

  • Which specific Viennese clockmaker workshops produced this style of 'cathedral clock' during the mid-19th century?
  • What are the specific historical origins of the 'cathedral clock' design motif in Viennese horology?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Viennese cathedral clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datearound 1850“around 1850”
MaterialBlackened wood (probably pear)“Case made of wood (probably pear), blackened”
MovementViennese movement with 4/4th strike“built-in Viennese movement, this with 4/4th strike on two tone spirals”
SuspensionThread suspension“thread suspension of the pendulum”
Dimensions80 cm x 37 cm x 19 cm“H. ca. 80 cm, W. ca. 37 cm, D ca. 19 cm”
ConditionOld restored condition“old restored condition”

Visible details

  • Four fluted columns with brass capitals
  • Floral painted decoration in red and gold tones
  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals
  • Pointed gothic-style arch housing the dial

Research qualifications

  • Wood type identified only as probably pear
  • Specific maker of the Viennese movement is not identified

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

Consulted source

Viennese cathedral clock, around 1850.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 6fb2511f5d

Terms in this record

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

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