Attributed to Jeremias Metzger in Augsburg, Height 400 mm, circa 1580

A highly important and extremely rare astronomical table clock, circa 1580 - masterpiece- manufactured exactly after the terms of the Augsburger Master's diploma rules from 1577: "A clock of the dimensions as hitherto, about a span high, which strikes the hour and the quarters. It shall also have an alarm and shall likewise show the astrolabe, the length of the days, the calendar and the planets and their signs. When the quarter hand is moved, all hands shall strike the hours both to 12 and 24, as one may select." The case is attributed to Hans Helmbrecht in Augsburg. Case: bronze, firegilt. Hallmarkted on both sides. Floral engraved, ornamented, rectangular shaped stepped base. Two side panels engraved with foliage, fanciful birds and the Augsburg municipal coat of arms, four corinthian columms at the edges. Abovethat roof shaped top with two bells. Cornice plate with four obelisk finales on the four edges. Crowned by obelisk. Dial: Frontside with dial based on the principals of an astrolabe with motion of sun, moon and starry sky. The fond of the dial shows a planispherium with surrounding chapter ring, which is divided into two times 12 hours - 24 hours. Indication of sun / moon-rise and -down and their position, unequal night hours, the azimuth, height above horizon, the astrological houses, position of antihelion and the moon age. Four additional dials for "Littera dominicalis", locking of striking work, setting of alarm time and optional setting for 12- or 24- hour strike. On the left control dial for indication of hour strike, on the right control dial for quarter strike. Reverse side with central dial for 24 hour indication and minutes, sunrise and -down, indication of different length ofday and night considering the different seasons of the year, indication of date and of the daily saints. Additional dial for the weekday and his symbols. Indication of the month and the sign of the zodiac. All hands gilt, blued, engraved or pierced. Movm.: Massive firegilt brass movement with treaded corner columns. Highly sophisticated movement, constructed crosswise and in different levels with iron and brass wheels. Three times chain and fusee, lateral locking plates, verge escapement with iron ring balance.