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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Portal clock

Viennese Portal Clock with Automaton and Musical Movement

Partially verified

This Viennese portal clock, dated to circa 1825, features a three-train brass pendulum movement and is equipped with an automaton and musical mechanism. The clock's timekeeping and decorative elements include a sun-shaped pendulum and an enameled chapter ring, which shows minor damage at the twelve o'clock position. The architectural case is constructed with veneer, gilded brass fittings, and four distinct alabaster columns. The integrated automaton depicts two figures of Cupid engaged in forging and grinding arrows. Music is produced by a two-air sectional-comb mechanism comprising 63 teeth arranged in groups of three, with bass notes positioned on the right side. This musical function is operated either by a clockwork mechanism or through a cord-pull system.

Front view of the Viennese portal clock, showing the alabaster columns, automaton figures on the dial, and brass eagle finial.
Front view of the Viennese portal clock, showing the alabaster columns, automaton figures on the dial, and brass eagle finial. — Auction Team Breker / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Portal clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
7e3719911d
Source-reported date
c. 1825
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 Construction

The clock is designed in a portal-style configuration, utilizing a combination of veneered wood surfaces and gilded brass ornaments. The architectural structure rests on a base adorned with decorative brass appliques and is supported by four alabaster columns.

At the apex, a gilded brass eagle serves as a decorative finial. The dial features an enameled ring, centrally positioned behind the automaton figures.

Evidence for this section
  • “veneered case, gilded brass fittings, 4 alabaster columns”
  • “total height 26 in.”

Automaton and Musical Mechanism

The object includes an automaton featuring two figures of Cupid, which operate in conjunction with the musical mechanism. The musical component consists of a sectional comb with 63 teeth arranged in groups of three, featuring bass notes on the right-hand side.

The music is activated either automatically through the clockwork mechanism or manually via a cord pull. Additionally, the clock features a three-train movement that performs a quarter-hour strike using two spiral springs. The source indicates that the automaton and the musical mechanism function as intended.

Evidence for this section
  • “accompanied by two figures of Cupid grinding and forging arrows”
  • “two-air sectional-comb with 63 teeth in groups of three (complete)”
  • “released via clockwork mechanism or by pulling the cord”

Condition and Operational Status

The auction description reports that the clockwork, the automaton, and the musical movement are currently in working order.

Visible condition issues include slight damage to the enameled chapter ring located at the twelve o'clock position. The piece is accompanied by a winding key. No other structural repairs or replacements are documented in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “the clockwork mechanism, figure automaton and musical mechanism are in working order (no guarantee to running time or accuracy)”
  • “enameled chapter ring (slightly damaged at the 12 o’clock position)”

Open research questions

  • Identify the specific horological workshop in Vienna responsible for the production of this portal clock.
  • Verify if the automaton movement is original to the clock or a later period modification.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Viennese Portal Clock with Automaton and Musical Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementThree-train brass pendulum movement“Three-train brass pendulum movement”
Musical MechanismTwo-air sectional-comb with 63 teeth“two-air sectional-comb with 63 teeth in groups of three (complete)”
AutomatonFigures of Cupid forging and grinding arrows“accompanied by two figures of Cupid grinding and forging arrows”
Case ComponentsVeneered case, alabaster columns, gilded brass fittings“veneered case, gilded brass fittings, 4 alabaster columns”
Dimensions26 inches total height“total height 26 in.”
Dial conditionMinor damage at twelve o'clock“enameled chapter ring (slightly damaged at the 12 o’clock position)”

Visible details

  • Sun-shaped pendulum hanging between front columns
  • Two figures of Cupid visible on the dial face
  • Four alabaster columns supporting the upper clock section
  • Gilded brass eagle finial at the peak of the case

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the maker is not recorded in the source.
  • The attribution to the Viennese region is described as a 'Probable' status in the source record.

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

Consulted source

Viennese Portal Clock with Automaton and Musical Movement, c. 1825

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record cb94b837f4

Terms in this record

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

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