 |
|
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Wrought Iron Turret Clock |
|
| This
month we have reached deep into history to bring you an important,
intriguing and mysterious turret clock that is within reach of the
beginning collector. Yet, few advanced and sophisticated collectors
own a clock of this period and genre. Turret, or tower clocks were among the earliest form of mechanical timekeeper. The first examples being born in the 12th century as church and town hall clocks striking bells to mark the hours but having no dials to indicated incremental time. These clocks were mechanical marvels of their day, extremely expensive to build and perhaps even more expensive to maintain. Only a wealthy city or church could afford the extravagance of commissioning a clock like this for the town center or cathedral. The design format of the early turret clocks was an open “birdcage” frame of forged iron held together with mortised straps secured by iron wedges. The technology of fusing metal by welding or bronzing did not exist, so everything in the clock depended on the skills of the blacksmith’s art. |
|
| Arbors
were hammered into tapered, faceted shafts with round pivots at
each end. Gears were formed by rolling iron strap into a circle,
dovetailing the joint and filing the teeth. Pinions were of the
lantern form, constructed by placing round rods into a circular
hub, which would engage the larger gears. The winding drums were turned of wood, wound with rope and driven by huge iron or stone weights. This rare clock illustrates the workmanship and technology of the late 16th and early 17th century. It is very well preserved, but will need some attention to bring it back to life. We suspect this clock was made in Eastern Europe but cannot trust the "graffiti" engraved in the straps of the frame. There is the name "Martin Kratohwil of Zezut" and a date of 1837 on the plates. This date however is far too late for the primitive design on this clock, suggesting that an erroneous later date was etched into the frame to expedite its escape from Europe as a less important horological treasure that would be unlikely to qualify for export bearing its true age. Whatever the true provenance, age and origin of this clock, it remains a classic example of an important era and genre of horology few collections will ever display. We are pleased to offer this clock in unrestored condition for the bargain sales price of $4,250. If you aspire to create a collection with historical landmarks to punctuate the development of horology through the ages, this is an opportunity to acquire a key piece to the puzzle. |
|
