Juba Schatz swiftly presents mantel clock
A Rare Find: A 1940s Antique Clock from Aug Schatz & Söhne
In the world of antique clock collecting, every new acquisition is a treasure to be cherished. For one dedicated collector, 2018 was a particularly successful year, marked by the discovery of a bim-bam clock from the renowned German clock manufacturer, Jahresuhren-Fabrik August Schatz und Söhne GmbH.
Originally established in 1881, Aug Schatz and sons were pioneers in the production of annual clocks, or "Jahresuhren," and marine clocks. These intricate timepieces were known for their precision engineering and aesthetic craftsmanship, earning the company international recognition.
The collector's new acquisition, dating from the mid to late 1940s, is a testament to the company's enduring quality. The clock, a bim-bam model, is characterised by its distinctive strike and minimalist design, typical of post-war period clocks.
In excellent condition, the clock boasts a two-piece steel strike lock for transport, a circular disk to adjust for an unlevel surface, and a storage cradle on the back door for the pendulum bob. The original operating instructions in English and German were also included, adding to its authenticity.
The movement of the clock, found in a local antique store for under CAN$20, is an antique Aug Schatz & Söhne movement, complete with three chimes: St Micheal, Whittington, and Westminster. The movement came without a case and chime rods, but the collector has since sourced and installed these components, restoring the clock to its full glory.
The collector, who has been collecting clocks for over eight years, met interesting people, discovered new antique clock sources, and had fun during 2018. One of the best moments was finding an Arthur Pequegnat Moncton double-spring clock, another rare and valuable addition to their collection.
As the collector continues to explore new directions in clock collecting and repair, this 1940s Aug Schatz & Söhne bim-bam clock stands as a testament to their dedication and passion for the craft.
[1] 100 Jahre Jahresuhren-Fabrik GmbH Aug. Schatz & Söhne. Firmenchronik. 1881–1981 (company chronicle covering 100 years) published in 1981 in Triberg, Germany. [1] Lehotzky, R. (1951). Elektrische Uhren und Signaleinrichtungen. Springer-Verlag.
In the realm of home-and-garden lifestyle, the collection of mantel clocks, including vintage clocks, can be considered a niche hobby that combines both practicality and aesthetics. This hobby, as demonstrated by the collector's acquisition of a 1940s Aug Schatz & Söhne bim-bam clock, transcends the mere function of timekeeping and delves into the realm of gadgets and technology. Despite their antiquity, these intricate timepieces often housed sophisticated mechanisms, such as those found in the Aug Schatz & Söhne movement, epitomizing the marriage of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering.
