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Vienna, first half of the 19th century
- signed
- "Dorer in Wien"
- Clockmaker
- Franz Joseph Dorer,
- Vienna, * 1801 Brașov, 1826 Imperial a. Royal privileged clockmaker in Vienna, 1839 court clockmaker, † 1851 Vienna
- Case
- engine turned ormolu, front with scrolling foliage, four lion paw feet
- Dial
- enamel
- Movement
- verge escapement, short front pendulum
- Height
- 1.89 in
Among the most fascinating timepieces of 19th century Viennese clockmaking are the so-called tiny tickers. These are finely crafted table clocks en miniature, whose delicate front pendulums have a very short oscillation period – hence the German name „Zappler“ („fidgeter“). These small decorative clocks enjoyed great popularity in the Biedermeier period and are still coveted collector’s items today.
Masterfully crafted cases made from the finest materials despite their delicate dimensions are a hallmark of the best Viennese tiny tickers. This ormolu clock is a very special piece, as the signature of the famous Viennese clockmaker and specialist for miniature clocks Franz Joseph Dorer can be found on the enamel dial. Dorer, born in 1801 in the Transylvanian town of Kronstadt (Brașov), was first named as an Imperial and Royal privileged clockmaker in Vienna in 1826. Numerous awards at specialized exhibitions and his appointment as court clockmaker in 1839 testify to his great craftsmanship. According to contemporary sources, Dorer’s customers included the Austrian Emperor Franz II, the Prussian King Frederick William III and the Russian Tsar and Tsarina Nicholas I and Alexandra.
This miniature tiny ticker by the renowned master Franz Joseph Dorer is adorned with a finely crafted front with scrolling acanthus foliage. In order to set the delicate hands of the timepiece, which is only 1.89 in. high, there is a small winding arbor in the center of the hands that can be turned with the same key as the one for the movement.