Wall clock by Gustav Becker
Object No. 2020/72/1
This is a high-quality and characteristic example of a nineteenth century wall clock by Gustav Becker. This particular clock was skilfully crafted in Germany, imported to Australia, and purchased as a wedding present in Forbes in 1899 - probably from local watchmaker and jeweller A.G.F. Bollinger. It remained a treasured family heirloom for over 100 years. A family story claims the case was made in Forbes. Gustav Becker (1819-1885) was a skilled and successful German clock maker who learned his trade in Germany and Austria. He established a workshop in 1850 in Swiebodzice, Poland (formerly Freiburg, Silesia, Germany). His business took off after winning a Gold Medal in a local trade show in 1852 and his company subsequently made hundreds of thousands of clocks during his lifetime. They were exported worldwide and won trade show medals, including one in Australia. Andrew Jacob, Curator, October 2018.
Loading...
Summary
Object Statement
Wall clock, metal / wood / enamel / glass, designed and made by Gustav Becker, Swiebodzice, Poland, 1875-1880
Physical Description
A wall clock with gridiron pendulum and two weights mounted in a wooden case. The case black with brown inlaid wood pattern, carved and turned decorative pediment and base. A round face enamelled in white, black and blue, simple hands, gold numbering on a black annulus. A disc-shaped bob enamelled in white, black and peach. Two cylindrical brass weights, the top and bottom rims of each enamelled in blue and peach, the cylinder of one weight partially split. The gridiron pendulum consisting of three rods with the inner rod composed of two co-axial rods. A winding key. Three marks on the rear plate of the mechanism. Some cracking in the door.
DIMENSIONS
Height
1300 mm
Width
330 mm
Depth
130 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Designed & made by Gustav Becker, Swiebodzice, Poland (formerly Freiburg, Silesia, Germany), 1875-1880.
HISTORY
Notes
The Gustav Becker clock was purchased in 1899, possibly from A.G.F. Bollinger who was a watchmaker, jeweller, optician & gunsmith of Forbes as a wedding present. It passed to the bride's daughter and then to her business partner at Butler's Rd Pharmacy, South Hurstville.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Kathleen Tarlinton Bequest, 2018
Acquisition Date
17 July 2020
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
Image Licensing Enquiry
Object Enquiry