N Wilson Antiques Clocks has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Both cupid and the dog are cast in absolutely superb detail. The clock housing then has a lovely rounded top with cupids quivering and torch resting open them. Beneath the dial there is a gilt bronze plaque reading “n'oubliez pas l'amour'” or “forget not love”. The base of the case is then shaped with lovely floral mounts to the front and sides. Finally the case is finished by four lovely shaped, engine turned feet.
The dial is then round with an enamel chapter ring set out in black Arabic numeral with a thin ring of dashes to the outside marking the minutes. The chapter ring is then signed to the bottom by the maker “Joseph Jessner in ssien”. There is then an engine turned ring followed by the enamel centre date set out with the 31 month. Finally there is another small engine turned disk to the centre of the date as well as the clock being finished by two lovely shaped hands and a domed protective glass.
The clock is then wound from the front and accessed from the back. It is working as it should and comes complete with its pendulum and winding key. The movement is an extremely rare Austrians Officers example and chimes both the number of quarters as well as the number of hours on each quarter via two gongs. The movement is also extremely rare as it has a centre date which is rarely seen, especially on such small examples. A truly rare and unique clock of the upmost quality.
According to the records of Jürgen Abeler, master watchmaker Josef Jessner of Vienna most probably worked in Graz as well around 1806. Jessner became a master in 1814/1815; from 1835 to 1848 he held the position of maker to the court.
It measures approximately:
9.5” / 24cm Tall.
7.25” / 18.5cm Wide.
4.25” / 10.75cm Deep.
N Wilson Antiques Clocks has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the N Wilson Antiques Clocks Profile Page
Antique Austrian Officers Clock with Centre Date Quarter Chiming by Joseph Jessner
