Table clock with skeleton movement

mid-16th century or earlier

Not on view

This variety of small, portable timekeeper, which was made for many years, was probably intended to be carried with or on the person. The type existed as early as the middle of the fifteenth century and therefore may be regarded as a forerunner of the watch. The iron wheel-balance of this one is missing.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Table clock with skeleton movement
Date: mid-16th century or earlier
Culture: German
Medium: Case and dial: gilded brass; Movement: skeleton-type, iron; gilt bronze
Dimensions: Overall: 1 5/8 × 2 1/2 in. (4.1 × 6.4 cm)
Classification: Horology
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Simon Guggenheim, 1929
Object Number: 29.52.7
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Clockmaker: Caspar Behaim (Chasparus Bohemus)
case 1554, movement ca. 1680

Cartridge Box Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony, Silver, wood, velvet, German, Saxony — Cartridge Box Made for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
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ca. 1590–1600

Clock with pedestal, André Charles Boulle French, Case and pedestal of oak with marquetry of tortoiseshell, engraved brass, and pewter; gilt bronze; dial of gilt brass with white enameled Arabic numerals; movement of brass and steel, French, Paris — Clock with pedestal
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1690

Rapier, Peter Wirsberg German, Steel, silver, wood, German, Saxony — Rapier
Bladesmith Peter Wirsberg
ca. 1600–10

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