GERMAN. A 16TH CENTURY RENAISSANCE GILT MELT STRIKING CLOCK WATCH

UNSIGNED, CIRCA 1575

Details

GERMAN. A 16TH CENTURY RENAISSANCE GILT MELT STRIKING CLOCK WATCH
unsigned, circa 1575
Movement of iron plates and iron wheels throughout with open springs, stackfreed of "C" shape, iron stop wheel with 30 teeth, later added hair spring and regulator have replaced the hogs bristle and folio balance, rectangular column and pillars, with a striking bell, small dial on the movement indicating the last hour struck, the gilt-metal dial with touch studs, two chapter rings indicating twelve hour reading in roman numerals and twenty-four hours in arabic numerals, the engraved center with star burst design, strike and setting pin-hole, one iron hand, the Tambour case with hinged front and back lids, both with open lattice work, decorated with engraved foliate scroll designs, the case with ring pendant riveted to the inside, engraved band pierced to release sound.
67 mm diameter
29 mm high

Lot Essay

This watch is a fine example of some of the earliest timepieces known to man. The stackfreed is an invention found mostly in German and Swiss watches from the middle to later part of the 16th century, however it's use continued until the middle of the 17th century. The function of the stackfreed was to equalize the force of the mainspring and was an alternative to the fusee.
The present watch is thought to be of Augsberg or Nuremberg origin.
For further readings see Stackfreed 1540-1640 by Dr. E. Gschwind.