What is a Viennese enamel portico clock?

A Viennese enamel portico clock is a miniature timepiece originating from late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Austria. Characterised by classical architectural columns supporting an elevated clock drum, these pieces feature decorative metalwork combined with detailed engine-turned enamelling.

What materials were traditionally used in Austrian enamel desk clocks?

These clocks were typically constructed using silver or silver-gilt frameworks, engine-turned guilloche enamel in vibrant translucent tones, and imported mechanical movements. Hardstone materials such as onyx, marble, or agate were frequently used as sturdy bases.

How do you identify authentic Viennese silver enamel timepieces from circa 1900?

Authentic pieces feature official Austrian silver purity hallmarks (such as the Diana head mark) alongside registered silversmith marks. Look for precise geometric engine-turning beneath unblemished enamel and high-grade mechanical clock components.

How can a miniature portico clock be styled in a contemporary space?

A miniature enamel clock functions as an accent piece on an executive writing desk, marble mantelpiece, or styled bookshelf. Position it near natural light sources to highlight the reflective quality of the translucent guilloche enamel.

How should antique silver and enamel clocks be maintained?

Clean the surface gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust and fingerprints without dulling the enamel. Avoid chemical polishes near enamel borders, and consult a professional horologist for periodic mechanical movement servicing.

for sale €1,632 $1,772

£1,395

Robert Belcher Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2017

View Dealers Stock Page

About Us

Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.

Relevant Links

Antique Enamel Table Clock

Id #SA1225875

PDF

SAVE

Georg Adam Scheid Silver and Enamel Miniature Portico Desk Clock, Vienna, C.1900

Name: Georg Adam Scheid Silver and Enamel Miniature Portico Desk Clock, Vienna, C.1900
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1225875
Price: 1395 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Robert Belcher Antiques

Description

A rare and highly collectable miniature portico desk clock by Georg Adam Scheid (G.A.S.), Vienna, dating to circa 1900.

Crafted in .900 silver and richly decorated with translucent red enamel, this elegant architectural clock is executed in the classical portico form. The stepped and moulded polished white onyx base is mounted with an ornate cast silver appliqué to the front. Rising above is a rectangular silver platform supported by four slender silver columns with red enamel decoration, each finished with plain classical capitals and bases.

The arched silver case is decorated with matching red enamel panels, creating a harmonious contrast with the polished silver. Suspended beneath the case is an attractive cast silver floral garland, framing the white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals.

The clock houses a miniature 24 hour mechanical key-wind movement, a type commonly found in high quality pocket watches of the period. At the time of cataloguing, the movement is in good working order and keeps reasonably good time.

The clock is in very good overall condition. The enamel displays only a few minute surface marks consistent with age, with no cracks, losses, or significant damage. As I am not a professional clockmaker or horologist, the movement is offered as working when tested by me but without guarantee. Buyers intending to use the clock regularly rather than display it are advised to have the movement professionally serviced.

Maker: Georg Adam Scheid (G.A.S.), Vienna

Date: Circa 1900

Materials: .900 silver, red enamel, polished white onyx

Movement: Mechanical 24 hour key wind

Dimensions: Height 12.5 cm; Width 6.4 cm; Depth 4 cm

About Georg Adam Scheid

Georg Adam Scheid (1838–1921) was one of Austria's most distinguished goldsmiths, silversmiths, and jewellers. Based in Vienna, his firm achieved international acclaim during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for producing luxury silverware, jewellery, and decorative objects of exceptional quality. Scheid's workshops were celebrated for their refined craftsmanship and designs influenced by the Neo-Renaissance and emerging Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) movements. Today, objects bearing the G.A.S. mark are highly regarded by collectors and regularly appear in leading international auction houses.

Physical Dimensions

Height

12.5cm (4.92")

Width

6.4cm (2.52")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Declaration

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this Silver Enamel Desk Clock to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1225875

Dealers Notes

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques

Description

A rare and highly collectable miniature portico desk clock by Georg Adam Scheid (G.A.S.), Vienna, dating to circa 1900.

Crafted in .

“

900 silver and richly decorated with translucent red enamel, this elegant architectural clock is executed in the classical portico form.

Robert Belcher Antiques

The stepped and moulded polished white onyx base is mounted with an ornate cast silver appliqué to the front. Rising above is a rectangular silver platform supported by four slender silver columns with red enamel decoration, each finished with plain classical capitals and bases.

fig 1. A Viennese silver and red guilloche enamel miniature portico desk clock mounted on a white onyx base. — fig 1. Georg Adam Scheid Silver and Enamel Miniature Portico Desk Clock, Vienna, C.1900

The arched silver case is decorated with matching red enamel panels, creating a harmonious contrast with the polished silver. Suspended beneath the case is an attractive cast silver floral garland, framing the white enamel dial with black Arabic numerals.

fig 2. A Viennese silver and red guilloche enamel miniature portico desk clock mounted on a white onyx base. — fig 2. Georg Adam Scheid Silver and Enamel Miniature Portico Desk Clock, Vienna, C.1900

The clock houses a miniature 24 hour mechanical key-wind movement, a type commonly found in high quality pocket watches of the period. At the time of cataloguing, the movement is in good working order and keeps reasonably good time.

fig 3. A Viennese silver and red guilloche enamel miniature portico desk clock mounted on a white onyx base. — fig 3. Georg Adam Scheid Silver and Enamel Miniature Portico Desk Clock, Vienna, C.1900

The clock is in very good overall condition. The enamel displays only a few minute surface marks consistent with age, with no cracks, losses, or significant damage. As I am not a professional clockmaker or horologist, the movement is offered as working when tested by me but without guarantee. Buyers intending to use the clock regularly rather than display it are advised to have the movement professionally serviced.

fig 4. A Viennese silver and red guilloche enamel miniature portico desk clock mounted on a white onyx base. — fig 4. Georg Adam Scheid Silver and Enamel Miniature Portico Desk Clock, Vienna, C.1900

Maker: Georg Adam Scheid (G.A.S.), Vienna

Date: Circa 1900

Materials: .900 silver, red enamel, polished white onyx

Movement: Mechanical 24 hour key wind

Dimensions: Height 12.5 cm; Width 6.4 cm; Depth 4 cm

fig 5. A Viennese silver and red guilloche enamel miniature portico desk clock mounted on a white onyx base. — fig 5. Georg Adam Scheid Silver and Enamel Miniature Portico Desk Clock, Vienna, C.1900

About Georg Adam Scheid

Georg Adam Scheid (1838–1921) was one of Austria's most distinguished goldsmiths, silversmiths, and jewellers. Based in Vienna, his firm achieved international acclaim during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for producing luxury silverware, jewellery, and decorative objects of exceptional quality. Scheid's workshops were celebrated for their refined craftsmanship and designs influenced by the Neo-Renaissance and emerging Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) movements. Today, objects bearing the G.A.S. mark are highly regarded by collectors and regularly appear in leading international auction houses.