Antique German Victorian Mahogany Westminster Kienzle Bracket Mantel Clock

Description

Early 20th Century Kienzle key wound mantel clock with simple neoclassical mahogany case and floral etched brass face including controls for speed and chime above the clockface. Arabic numerals. Westminster chimes. Works numbered 60782. Made in Germany. Sold December 22, 1922 by E.F. Baxmeier of wilkinsburg, PA. Clock is functional / chimes.

Kienzle Clock History
Kienzle is founded in 1822 in Schwenningen by Johannes Schlenker. The company soon fabricates 20,000 wall clocks and pendulum clocks per annum. In 1883 Jakob Kienzle marries into the Schlenker family and henceforward he contributes to the expansion of the company. In 1893, 162,000 watches and alarm clocks are made per annum. The name of the company is changed into Schlenker & KIENZLE.

From 1894 on the weight and the costs of alarm clocks and wall clocks can be significantly reduced incorporating the “American System” with standardized individual components and perforated plates. This process is highly innovative at that time. From 1897 on Jakob Kienzle became sole owner and also the name of the company changes after some time into today’s notation Kienzle. But not only is the watch production continuously extended and modernized. The international activities are also steadily enlarged. In the following years branches in Milan, Paris and London are established.

In 1900 Kienzle launches the time stamp clock on the market, followed by inexpensive pocket watches, travelling clocks and wristwatches for ladies. The first clocks for automobiles are also made at that period of time. The so-called “Strapazier-Armbanduhr” is presented in 1931. This watch is extremely resilient because of its special construction. With 25 million sold specimens the watch model becomes a popular product.

At the end of the nineteen-thirties Kienzle starts the fabrication of two table clocks in the upper price segment: the Zodiac Clock and the World Time Clock. After the Second World War the track record of Kienzle goes on again with established articles and new products like a parking meter equipped with the latest technology. 1956 the so-called “Volksautomatik” enters the market and is yet another example for the innovative products of the company. Energy is provided by a rotor that wounds in both directions and instead of steel pins the lever is fitted with ruby pins.

In the sixties and seventies Kienzle becomes market leader in Germany. 1972 the first solar watch named “Heliomat” is produced as well as the first quartz movements. In the following years Kienzle is the first company to present a quartz travel alarm clock.

Condition

Good Overall - Some tarnish to face; gentle wear throughout; repair to trim one side of rear door

Dimensions

11.75" x 8" x 18" (Width x Depth x Height)