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Biedermeier Picture Clock with Musical Movement, Austria, Circa 1825

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
These painting clocks are very rare, especially containing the music box. Of Austrian manufacture circa 1820-1830, this Biedermeier picture (painting) clock is a naive and charming oil painting on metal, which depicts nine people dressed in colorful period clothes at various activities; a woman with her child and carrying fruit in a basket atop her head, two young lovers, a man in a boat, another man walking with his dog, while still another gentleman leaves the town hall. A woman at the window takes in all the local color and scenery, which consists of trees, shrubs, a lake in the background, and the town hall with a tower clock below the steeple. Classical ancient roman columns connect to the building, amidst surrounding mountains. The working clock is integrated into the tower on the painting.

The original frame consists of a nicely notched wood carved perimeter, repeated, with a concave divider. All is in original gold and green paint, as is the rear casing with exposed tendons.The musical cylinder and works is of excellent quality, which operates well playing two different songs.

The 30 hour key wind clock is operable, and has a rectangular brass movement with a short swing pendulum mechanism. There is a striking gong (second winding hole) which is inoperable. The dials are replaced. The clock is synchronized with the music box below. The music box plays and operates, once hourly, or by manually drawing on the string below; a song will play to completion. It is wound by winding the shaft on the lower right side of the case.

The condition of the painting is very good and all original except for a 1" diameter antique touch up in the foreground scenic area; not noticeable to the naked eye, and barely visible under black light. The painting is untouched having never been cleaned and is appealing as such, but one might clean, depending on personal preference. The green paint around the perimeter case is completely original, as is the paint on the frame. Original imbedded hanging hook is at the top of case.
Two winding keys are included; one for the clock and one for the music box.

Dimensions: overall (with frame): 23-1/4" wide x 19" high.
actual painting: 18-3/4" wide x 14-1/8" high.

Inscribed on music cylinder base: "Willenbacher & Rzebitschek In Prag"

More Information

Origin:	Austria
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Oil on tin with carved wood frame.
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age.
Creation Date:	Circa 1820-1830.
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art
Incollect Reference #:	125266

Dimensions

W.	23.25 in;	H.	19 in;	D.	5 in;
W.	59.06 cm;	H.	48.26 cm;	D.	12.7 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.