Lot 160 | South Germany | EARLY IRON CLOCK WITH AUTOMATON AND DEPICTION OF SOL & LUNA

EARLY IRON CLOCK WITH AUTOMATON AND DEPICTION OF SOL & LUNA.

Southern Germany, possibly Franken.
Date: Ca. 1600.
Technique: Iron, polychromed, bronze.
Description: Rectangular, closed case with side doors. Ending in an arched field on three sides and
painted in polychrome. Large painted chapter ring with Roman hours and iron hands on the
front. Below this, the small chapter ring for the quarter hours. A painted coat of arms
shield in the upper section, held by a knight, his sculpted head acting as an automaton.
On the sides are allegorical depictions of the sun and the moon. Each in niches flanked by
herm pilasters, labelled 'SOL' and 'LUNA' above them. Pillar base. Verge escapement with
wheel balance, striking the hour on an overhead bell with internal hammer, simultaneously
opening the mouth of the automaton.
Measurement: 34x13,5x13,5cm.
Enclosed: Two weights.


Literature:
Ackermann, H.C.: Die Uhrensammlung Nathan-Rupp im Historischen Museum Basel, Basel 1984. A comparable iron clock with automaton inscribed and depicted cat. no. 20, p.46f.