GS, PROBABLY GEORG SCHMIDT, AUGSBURG. CIRCA 1625

Details

A German ebony striking astronomical wall clock
GS, probably Georg Schmidt, Augsburg. Circa 1625
The altar type case with architectural pediment and fluted tapering columns, with projecting scrolls to the sides mounted with gilt-brass finials (one lacking), a key drawer below the dial and on outswept plinth, the sliding movement cover with four iron corner latches and with iron door painted with scene of a cavalier, with iron hoop integral to the top-mounted bell stand and with spikes below, the bell itself with engraved four-leaf brass mount and brass spike finial, the 13.5 x 15 cm. (5.14 x 5¾ in.) gilt-brass dial with engraved spandrels and twice XII chapter ring, with inner 24-hour chapters and outer minutes calibrated at intervals of five, centred by discs showing a penny moonphase and with engraved aspect scheme, outer age of moon indication, single steel hand, the one day movement with rectangular plates joined by four front-pinned square section pillars, twin fixed barrels with rear wind, with re-instated steel verge balance and stackfreed, the latter with engraved cam and pivoted regulation lever with dot calibration, recessed steel calibrated countwheel for hour strike on bell above, the maker's cartouche stamp GS positioned within the pierced and engraved double scroll strike indicator with stylised hand pointer; winding key
41 cm. high

Special notice

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Lot Essay

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Klaus Maurice, Die deutsche Räderuhr, Part II, Munich, 1976, figs.659 & 660
Norbert Tieger, Horloges Anciennes, Milan, 1990
An Augsburg table clock with case of related design, by Hans Buschmann, was sold Sotheby's London, Important Clocks, Watches, Wristwatches and Barometers, 22 February 1990, lot 327.
Georg Schmidt is recorded as being born circa 1581, married in 1608 and dead in 1630.

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