Longcase clock by Franz Maria Rannaz, Vienna, c. 1845

Dealer description — Howard Walwyn

An important late Biedermeier period year duration Viennese longcase regulator. The elegant architectural flame mahogany and boxwood strung case is beautifully proportioned with glazing to the front and sides. The substantial moulding to the panel base gives stability and the option of floor standing, as this clock can also be wall hanging. The front door lifts out creating a very neat appearance. Beneath the architectural pedimented hood are two volutes. The two-piece dial with central engraving and large engine turned fire gilded bezel has Roman Chapters with an inner engine turned Bezel and seconds dial beneath 12 o’clock. The dial is signed by the maker within a centre engraving, R M Rannaz, Wien. The fine blued steel pointers are delicately fretted, and the minute hand is counter balanced with a crescent shaped end. The year duration weight-driven movement is of three plate construction with a large great wheel and a long narrow barrel between the back plate and the front plate. The wheel work is exceptionally fine and there are in excess of 200 teeth in the great wheel. Graham’s deadbeat escapement and maintaining power are included and there are end stops throughout the train. The pendulum with wood rod and large brass circular bob is suspended on the back board of the case and there is a beat adjustment at the bottom of the crutch. Date : circa 1845 Height : 74 ½ in (190 cm) * The maker, Franz Maria Rannaz , is recorded as working in Vienna between 1841 and 1852. This fine clock is illustrated on pages 278 and 279 of Die Wand und Bodenstanduhren der Habsburger Monarchie (The wall and longcase clocks of the Habsburg Monarchy) Provenance : The private collection of Anthony Woodburn. SW03 Signed / Inscribed F. M. Rannar, Wien