06/03/2026
This monumental and rare classical wall clock was made in Vienna circa 1810 by Johann Vellauer, one of the distinguished makers in the imperial capital during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Johann Vellauer the younger (1748–1819) produced clocks of remarkable sophistication, and this example ranks among the finest surviving Viennese giltwood craftsmanship.
The towering ebony case is 45 inches long and lavishly adorned with carved ornaments finished in gold leaf. At the base is an elaborately carved and gilded drop-style ornament. Above this, on the front of the case's bottom, is an acanthus carving and frame. The window to view the pendulum's brass bob is framed by acanthus foliage and clusters of berries. A pair of carved urns flanks this opening. Above is the dial and dial bezel, framed with carved cascading bellflowers. Above these are carved compotes overflowing with foliage and fruit. Above the dial is a carved wreath and ribbon detail. The cornice features board molding with dentil details. A majestic spread-winged eagle crowns the composition, clutching foliage and berries in its powerful talons, a dramatic symbol of imperial authority and neoclassical grandeur.
The convex enamel dial, signed “Johann Vellauer a Wienne,” is set within a deeply carved giltwood bezel and protected by convex glass. The dial displays Roman numerals for the hours, with Arabic numerals for the five-minute markers along the outer segmented minute track. Elegantly pierced and engraved brass hands indicate both the time and date.
Particularly unusual is the clock’s “blind-man” striking system. The mechanism announces the quarters progressively: one strike for the first quarter, two for the second, and three for the third. At the hour, the clock strikes four times on one bell to mark the completion of the fourth quarter, then strikes the hour count on a second bell with a distinctly different tone. This sophisticated arrangement creates an especially rich and layered audio presentation befitting the clock's imposing visual presence.
Height 45" Width 23" Depth 6.75".
Inventory number 225154.