2631
AN UNUSUAL EARLY
LATERNDLUHR IN A SOLID WALNUT CASE BY THE WELL KNOWN
MAKER ANTON PFEIFFER. CIRCA 1815.
An unusual early Laterndluhr in a solid walnut case by the well known maker Anton Pfeiffer.
The case has very thin structural members which enables there to be an exceptionally large glass area favoured by this maker. The hood slides off and has an opening front door held by a turncatch. The middle and bottom door are both lift out but the bottom one is held by two crude turncatches which we have seen on most of the clocks by this maker. The slightly rustic early case of this clock is very pleasing and typical of the maker. Although not as detailed as the later Laterndluhrs these cases must have been the inspiration for the style which was taken on and perfected in Vienna itself.
The two train movement is also slightly idiosyncratic and typical of the maker. The wheelwork is of good quality but the crossings are relatively course however the whole movement is glass enclosed as on the very finest clocks. Almost all Viennese clocks are either timepiece only or full quarter striking however this clock strikes the hours only on a gong .This is rare.
The silvered brass dial is contained within a high quality gilded engine turned bezel. The blued steel hands are unusual but typical of this maker and we have seen them on two other clocks by him. The winding holes are concentric and this would appear to be a design aberration
The pendulum has a brass rod rather than the more typical steel but with a typical brass bob.
We have seen a number of clocks by this maker and they all give the impression of a highly talented clockmaker who did not go in for much detailed planning, hence things such as the concentric winding on this clock.
Length 44 ins (112 cms)
