An early 17th Century German primitive gilt metal clock watc...

Estimate

£3,000 - £4,000

An early 17th Century German primitive gilt metal clock watch (travelling clock) with countwheel striking movement, stamped C.K.L, possibly denoting a Nuremberg maker. Verge escapement with primitive balance and stackfreed, decorative pierced mainspring barrels and twisted pillars. The case gilded on hinge, the protective cover with openwork arabesques and safety catch, the openwork caseband revealing the bell, the back also openworked and finely chiselled with flower motifs. Gilded dial with double indication Roman numerals for the 12 hours, arrow for the half hours, a motif of foliage in the centre. This watch is similar to the first early watches made by the famous clockmaker Nicolas Schmidt, admitted as master in Augsburg in 1576. 6cm diameter. The initials CKL have been identified on a one-handed “clock-watch” with an hourly self-strike mechanism, dating from around 1560 and presumably originating from Nuremberg.  However, the specific clockmaker corresponding to these initials remains unidentified in the available records.

More Information

Movement in poor condition, not working. Many rusty steel components. Needs restoration.