Zoom
Vienna, first half of the 19th century
- signed
- "Georg Obermayr in Wien"
- Clockmaker
- Georg Obermay(e)r,
- Vienna, * 1812, authorization 1825, citizen 1838
- Case
- polished mahogany veneer, maple stripe inlays
- Dial
- enamel dial with rare etched décor in the central field
- Movement
- glass-encapsulated precision movement with Graham escapement and maintaining power, duration of one month
- Height
- 42½ in
The most famous, probably most elegant and most precious model of 19th century Viennese clockmaking was and is undoubtedly the “Laterndluhr” – a wall clock whose case is reminiscent of the shape of the Viennese streetlamps of the time, hence its charming nickname. This type of clock, created by Austrian cabinetmakers and master clockmakers in an ingenious collaboration, was also the most important wall clock for export due to its extraordinary elegance and excellent craftsmanship. The precision of these regulators, which was almost unsurpassed at the time, contributed significantly to the world fame of Viennese clockmakers.
The signature of the master of this fine one month-going regulator can be found on the elaborately crafted dial with its rare ornamental etched decoration. The Viennese clockmaker Georg Obermay(e)r was born in the Danube metropolis in 1812 and received his trade license in 1825. In 1832 he was given the business address Neulerchenfeld No. 93 (today Neulerchenfelder Straße 32).
The wall clock shown here surprises with a masterfully crafted glass-encapsulated precision movement with a running time of one month in a delicate case that is only 42 ½ in. high. The glass encapsulation serves to protect the gear train from dust as well as to make the high-quality mechanism visible. The slender and delicate case is veneered with fine mahogany wood and adorned with artfully applied linear maple inlays. The small volute scrolls are a variation on the classic lantern clock type and lend this wonderful wall clock a special (Viennese) charm.