Gustav Becker Vienna Regulator in the Altdeutsch style, C. 1880.
This 48" tall, 18" wide porthole case has a good dark walnut finish with 8 pieces of brass trim, sparingly used around the case so as not to overpower the clock with brass. The case is tight and in good condition, with a coat of varnish at some time in the past, which contributes to the dark color. Surprisingly neither the door nor the wooden dial bezel is cracked. Most Vienna's develop cracks at the top and bottom of the door. The headpiece is old and very elaborately carved and the carving replicates carvings on the bottom of the case. There is considerable carving from the top to the base, and really good looking half columns with carved capitals and bases. There is a center hole in the top of the case where a previous owner of the clock was reported to have used 3 finials rather than the old headpiece. The signed 8 day movement is 3 weight Grand Sonnerie, rod striking, and Graham adjustable pallet escapement. The serial number is #614240 which dates it to 1885-1890. The 6 1/4 inch silvered dial has darkened some and has a small 1/4 inch flaw in the number 4. The hands are original Gustav Becker. The movement is a strong runner, a little dirty, but is virtually untouched, (i.e. no rebushing or major repairs.) The silvered pendulum bob and stick are original with no damage or repairs, weights are contemporary brass embossed that have been painted silver and darkened in the relief areas, not original but very satisfactory.
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