NIKOLAUS SCHMIDT, AUGSBURG, CIRCA 1580

Details

A GERMAN GILT-BRASS STRIKING AND ASTRONOMICAL 'MONSTRANCE' TABLE CLOCK
NIKOLAUS SCHMIDT, AUGSBURG, CIRCA 1580
The drum case with openwork finial and raised on a baluster stem above the spreading foot, the dial with twice XII to the outer ring, calendar ring, zodiac dial, age of moon and moon orb to central astrology chart, with pair of hands engraved 'SOL' and 'LUNA', single steel hand for time, inside rear door with further calendar; the movement with circular brass plates joined by four baluster pillars, chain fusee for time and fixed barrel for strike, steel balance and engraved countwheel to backplate with hand indicator, makers mark 'NS' within a shield
16 in. (40.5 cm.) high, 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm.) dial diameter, 6 ¼ in. (16 cm.) base diameter

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Lot Essay

Nikolaus Schmidt, the elder, (b. circa 1550 - d. 1630.), became master at Augsburg in 1576 and foreman of the smiths in 1586. (see also lot 88). He had three sons who continued the family craft; Georg (b. 1580); Nikolaus, the younger (b. 1582 - d. 1637) (see lots 16 and 70); and Carol (Carl) (b. circa 1586) (see lot 29).

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