Austrian Cast Brass Inkwell and Pen Stand with Zappler Clock
Timekeeping, practicality, and decorative aesthetics come together in this wonderful piece. Foremost is the Zappler clock characterized by its quickly oscillating front pendulum. Zappler clocks were produced in Austria in the mid-19th century and were immediate popular for their novelty and distinctively decorative presence. They are as eagerly collected today as they were then.
This lovely example is a desk accessory designed to hold inkwells and pens. The clock is elevated above the oval rope-accented tray and supported in an open scrollwork frame topped with a fleur-de-lis finial. Keeping the time is a 30-hour key-wind mechanical movement while the time displays on a hand-painted porcelain dial with blue Roman numerals and spade and whip hands. The quickly swinging pendulum is fitted with a decorative, floral embellished bob. A touch of whimsy comes with lion’s head masks on the supporting clock scrolls and the satyr legs supporting the piece overall.
Further, the clock in this prized collectible bears a full restoration and a one-year warranty.
7″H x 7 1/2″W x 4D
Circa 1875