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Clock

1680-1704 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

A table clock with alarm with a cylindrical case in gilt brass engraved with mythological scenes including Aeneas and Anchises, Atalanta and Meleager and Venus and Adonis, made in Wroclaw by Michael Wagner, late 17th century.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brass, iron, steel, engraving
Brief description
Table clock with alarm in cylindrical case of gilded brass engraved with mythological scenes
Physical description
A cylindrical table clock engraved with four mythological scenes illustrating Aeneas carrying Anchises; Atalanta and Meleager; an unidentified scene; Venus and Adonis. Above a flattened dome of engraved floral openwork with five cartouches showing views of towns, supports the horizontal dial numbered I-XII, the hour indicator is carried on a brass disc engraved with floral decoration and numbers 1-12 for the setting of the alarm by means of a steel hand mounted at its centre. The bottom-plate of the later movement is enriched with engraved openwork details and is engraved 'MICHAEL WAGNER JUN.BRESLAU'
The removable base of the case has a moulded rim and is engraved with a wreath of rose boughs. A small door in the side of the case discloses the gut fusee.

Dial: The chapter ring 7.3 cm diameter; the alarm disc 2 inches diameter is of the same date as the case, and carries the iron pointer. Steel hand for the alarm setting. The top plate of the movement under the dial is 7.6 diameter. The bottom plate is 8.9 cm diameter with moulded rim to fit the outer case. The winding holes are crudely engraved G and W.

Movement: Going train with fusee, gut line, brass wheels, verge escapement and small iron balance-wheel. The cocks finely pierced. Alarm train with resting barrel and iron wheels.
Dimensions
  • Height: 10.8cm
  • Diameter: 13.6cm
Style
Marks and inscriptions
MICHAEL WAGNER JUN.BRESLAU
Translation
Michael Wagner junior Breslau (Wroclaw)
Credit line
Given by W.E.Miller FSA, 1934
Object history
Michael Wagner is recorded as working in Breslau(Wroclaw) from 1681 when he married until 1704 (Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, 2006)
This is one of group of fourteen sun dials and clocks given by W.E.Miller FSA in 1938.
Subject depicted
Association
Literary referenceThe Siege of Troy
Summary
A table clock with alarm with a cylindrical case in gilt brass engraved with mythological scenes including Aeneas and Anchises, Atalanta and Meleager and Venus and Adonis, made in Wroclaw by Michael Wagner, late 17th century.
Collection
Accession number
M.172-1938

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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