Zoom
Vienna, first half of the 19th century
- Case
- engine turned ormolu
- Dial
- engine turned ormolu, silver-plated dial ring
- Movement
- anchor escapement, Viennese grande sonnerie on wire gongs, repeater, turn-off for strike, duration of one week
- Height
- 12 in
Portal clocks are a special variation of the Viennese mantel clock. Their cases are characterized by a tasteful combination of individual architectural elements to create a visually appealing whole. This Viennese portal clock has an exquisite, well-proportioned case that is based on the classical forms of Greek and Roman antiquity. Fire-gilt bronze – a luxurious material with a warm sheen – was much less frequently chosen for the cases of Viennese mantel clocks than carved and painted wood and was therefore more expensive and reserved for a small, elite clientele.
The base with flat bun feet, the four delicate columns and the crowning entablature of this elegant Viennese timepiece are richly engine turned. Guilloché – finely engraved graphic patterns – demanded the utmost precision and skill and were therefore produced by master guillocheurs. They used engine turning machines, special lathes that required many years of expertise to operate.
The exceptionally long running time of this wonderful portal clock is particularly noteworthy. Timepieces of this size usually have a running time of around 24 hours due to the complex Viennese quarter strike (Viennese grande sonnerie). A one-week duration of the movement as well as the striking trains – despite the delicate dimensions of only 12 in. in height – is a masterpiece of clockmaking and makes this Viennese clock an excellent collector’s item.