Posted 11 years ago
Tutzie
(24 items)
This is a nice Freidrich Mauthe (FMS) free swinger clock that I guestimate was produced around 1900 give or take a couple of years. This was an Ebay bid/purchase... The walnut case was missing its original upper, upper carved 'topper', i.e., the very top smaller piece that has the center finial. I happened to have that little piece laying around here from another FMS clock that had seen better days. I knew it would be a wonderful fit. So now the dimensions are: 43" height x overall width 16 1/2" x 7 1/2" depth. This clock does not have the narrow glass side panels, but does have a neat convex glass vs. flat over the porcelain dial. A perfect, bright dial with no hairlines or distress. What I particularly like are the thick or rather substantial turned columns on this case. So many of these free swinger (or Berliner) clocks, FMS, Becker, Junghans, etc., are offered on Ebay. So many handsome ones that sell for way under the $500 level... some needing work @ $100-$150; other pretty terrific ones from $200 to $400+. The larger, REALLY elaborate free swingers are gorgeous, but my pocket book wont comply. I see quite a few of those being shipped directly from some very reputable dealers in Germany at really decent ship costs.
An exquisite clock, beautiful workmanship! Thanks for sharing Tutzie.
Thanks for the 'loves' and your comments, Pops52!
Yes, the shipping horror stories! I have personally had a few of those. Pre 2008, I purchased probably a dozen very good and very fragile clocks that were packed/shipped beautifully, and not one seller took advantage of excessively pumping the ship cost. I have shipped without incident in excess of 200 vintage and antique clocks over the last 12 years. I pack the way I expect to receive them -packed like a Faberge egg!