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A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 1
A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 2
A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 3
A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 4
A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 5
A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 6
A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 7
A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 8
A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 9
A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr image 10
Lot 112

A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr

Fine Clocks
2 December 2025, 14:00 GMT
London, New Bond Street

£20,000 - £30,000

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A fine and rare late 16th century German gilt and engraved brass Augsburg tower clock, or Tischuhr

The case surmounted by the standing figure of Hercules holding the Hesperides and his club, over a repoussé cupola raised on a colonnade of Roman arches, the bell hidden from view behind, each corner set with a cast volute scroll on a stop-fluted Corinthian column on a pedestal base, all raised on a spreading foot and decorated with engraved urns issuing exotic flowers within burnished strapwork and foliage; further decorated with punched flowerheads and fruit. The rear panel set with a 2 inch solid numbered countwheel with scroll-engraved centre and blued steel hand indicating the last hour struck.

The main 2.5 inch brass dial with Roman chapter ring framed by twelve raised touch pins for tactile reading at night, with simple half-hour marks enclosing the 13-24 hour Arabic inner hour band, and central alarm-setting disc, with blued steel hand. The clock wound from the back.

The spring driven movement with steel top and bottom plates united by square-section posts, the trains mounted one behind the other; to the front the going with chain fusee and verge escapement with un-sprung steel balance wheel mounted on the top plate; the strike train to the rear with separate chain fusee, countwheel strike on a single bell and alarm work sounding on the same bell. The alarm wound to the right hand side. Ticking, striking and with operational alarm. 27cms (11ins) high.

Footnotes

Augsburg and Nuremberg tower clocks are a distinctive type of early striking clock, during the 16th and 17th centuries. Characterised by their architectural, tower-shaped cases—often inspired by Renaissance or early Baroque forms—these clocks were as much decorative objects d'art as they were functional timekeepers. Typically made from fire-gilt brass or silver, they have intricate engraving, pierced fretwork, and finely chased detailing, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship for which Augsburg was renowned. Many examples also include automata, musical elements, or astronomical functions, underscoring their role as luxury showpieces for wealthy patrons across Europe.

Additional information