Posted 10 years ago
Rudolf-P-V…
(1 item)
Subject: Ormolu Pons clock.
Dear Reader, The following is how i got the clock
Small history of the clock. The clock turned up in South Africa in 2014 when i stumbled across it as for sale. Mr . Benjamin Hitachowitz offered it for sale through an antique dealer from Meyerton. I bought the clock and started the quest for history on it. Grandfather Benjamin David Hitachowitz a connoisseur collector of objects Merrited Orientala Russiana Antique Silver and Rare Coins., Fine Art, Indian, Asian and Turkish ojects d’Art History. Travelled to Europe India and Turkey where he purchased the Ormolu Time Piece Clock in Ankara Turkey in 1948. He brought the Ormolu to S.A. as personal exhibit.
I have done some research on the years of manufacture till it was bought. The movement was made by the clockmaker Pons in the year 1823. Also the year in which a silver medal were merited for outstanding craftsmanship. The movement was placed in an Ormolu unit made by to be believed the Medlevi Monks in Turkey. This is the only clock of its kind because no two clocks were made in those days. This clock is in a very good state fully functional and working order keeping time 100%.
The following link do have the picture’s of the clock. The clock is as found.
http://ronelbroderick.zenfolio.com/p29503926
Then i contacted a Professor in Istanbul university showed him the pictures and this is his reply:
Good news!
With the help of the bigger images, it makes more sense now:
- It is Turkish (in Arabic letters) and it says:
"Bu icat, Cenab Zeki ve ?urekas?"
which means,
"This invention, Cenab Zeki and Co."
or "This Invention, Cenab Zeki and its partners/associates"
- "Cenab Zeki" (pronounced "Jenab Zaky") is the name of the company and I think also the name of its owner (Cenab means High Place and Zeki means Clever in Turkish, but it is a name so better to use it as it is)
- And we find a link to this name/company:
"BOSTANCIZADE HAFIZ MEHMET MAHDUMU MEHMET ZEK? VE ?ÜREKASI"
meaning
"Son(or Grandson) of Mehmet Mahdumu, (Ottoman) Palace Guard(or City Watch), Hafiz(title of the person who has learned the Koran by heart) Mehmet Zeki and Co. (or partners/associates)"
And their Company Registration Number was 15307/0 but the company no longer exists
I hope these helps...
Greetings,
upon asking the value of the clock he sent me this message: You are most welcome Rudolf,
We would say priceless as it is a historical piece, other than that we have no idea...
The size of the clock is as follow:
1. Total hight: 625mm
2. Width: 242mm
3. Side width: 140mm
4. Bell : 55mm
5. Back plate of movement: 70mm
6. Pendulum : 70mm
7. The weight 6.8kg
Thanking you for your time
Regards Rudy
+27 83 734 9065
should i restore or leave as found. Note all small gold bells on top roofs are missing. clock keeps perfectly time up to the second