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German Renaissance Turret Clock

  • This exceptionally rare German Renaissance turret clock dates to the 17th century
  • This clock is from the first era of household clocks
  • Renaissance clocks rarely become available on the market, and are found primarily in museums
  • The Milwaukee Museum of Art, as well as The Frick Collection and the MET hold similar period clocks
  • Get complete item description here
Item No. 30-1662

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This immensely rare Renaissance turret-form clock, or the table clock, was considered both a scientific marvel and an item of luxury during the period. This incredible piece is encased in fire gilt brass crafted to resemble the giant striking clocks set within the turrets of buildings in the center of town. The mechanism strikes on the hour and quarter hour with an alarm feature. The movement is a gut/fuseé for going and striking train, a. . .
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This immensely rare Renaissance turret-form clock, or the table clock, was considered both a scientific marvel and an item of luxury during the period. This incredible piece is encased in fire gilt brass crafted to resemble the giant striking clocks set within the turrets of buildings in the center of town. The mechanism strikes on the hour and quarter hour with an alarm feature. The movement is a gut/fuseé for going and striking train, a barrel for the alarm, a verge escapement and a foliot with a hog's bristle regulator complete with one hammer and one bell.

Clocks are one of the greatest and most important inventions of the Renaissance period, embodying the renewed interest in science, the arts and man's place in the world. The first mechanical devices that indicated time began appearing in the 14th century and were large, weight-driven devices placed in the turrets of public buildings that struck the hour and lacked hands and faces. This clock was created during the first period of household clocks when spring-driven movements made it possible to create smaller and more complex mechanisms. Such creations, however, were a luxury accessible only to the upper class. These patrons placed pressure upon artisans to create more elaborate and more beautiful clocks, of which this particular timepiece can be counted. 

Renaissance clocks are an incredible rarity on the market, with most of the few known examples in the coveted collections of major museums throughout the world. Turret clocks similar to this specimen can be found in the collections of the Milwaukee Museum of Art, The Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

German, circa 1620

11 5/8" high x 5 3/8" wide x 5 3/8" deep
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German Renaissance Turret Clock
Period: 17th Century
Origin: Germany
Type: Turret Clocks
Depth: 5.38 Inches
Width: 5.38 Inches
Height: 11.63 Inches
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

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