1930s Kienzle Art Deco Oak Mantel Clock Gong Strike Serviced Restored
Edith is a handsome German Art Deco mantel clock dating from around the 1930s, fitted with a traditional mechanical movement by Kienzle.
Her strongly architectural oak case is typical of the inter-war period, with a broad, faceted profile, stepped geometric side details and beautifully figured timber. The design has considerable presence while remaining restrained and elegant.
Particularly attractive is the dial arrangement, combining a silvered chapter ring with black Arabic numerals and a timber centre which visually ties the clock face into the surrounding oak case.
Edith is powered by a traditional two-train, spring-driven pendulum movement. One train powers the timekeeping mechanism while the second powers the striking train.
At each hour, a rack-and-snail striking mechanism counts the appropriate number of blows and sounds them onto a large coiled gong, producing the characteristic warm mechanical strike associated with clocks of this period.
Edith has undergone careful mechanical and cosmetic restoration with the aim of returning her to dependable operation while preserving the appearance and character of an original 1930s clock.
- Mechanical movement dismantled and thoroughly cleaned
- Wheelwork, pivots and bearings inspected
- Both mainsprings removed, cleaned, inspected and lubricated with Novostar oil
- Historic service replacement spring retained following inspection
- Pivots lubricated with synthetic clock oil
- Movement correctly reassembled and tested
- Rack-and-snail striking mechanism adjusted and tested
- Gong and hammer alignment checked
- Dial, hands, bezel and glass carefully cleaned
- Oak case sympathetically restored and finished
- Clock regulated and run-tested following restoration
The intention has not been to erase Edith's history or make her appear newly manufactured. Appropriate signs of age remain and form part of the character of an original mechanical clock approaching a century old.
The case has a distinctive low architectural profile, with angled upper sections and stepped decorative side blocks giving the clock a strong Art Deco appearance.
The warm oak grain contrasts beautifully with the silvered chapter ring and polished bezel, while the timber dial centre is an especially attractive period detail.
The rear of the clock retains its period setup and operating instruction sheet, giving guidance for installing and regulating a traditional pendulum striking clock.
This surviving detail adds considerably to Edith's historical interest and has deliberately been preserved.
Approximately 22 cm (8.7") high × 34 cm (13.4") wide × 13 cm (5.1") deep.
Edith is an original vintage clock and retains small marks, surface variations and patination consistent with her history. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
This is a traditional mechanical pendulum clock and requires periodic winding. As with any mechanical clock, minor regulation may occasionally be required after transportation and once the clock has settled into its new home.
The hourly gong strike forms an integral part of Edith's character and provides the wonderfully familiar sound of a traditional inter-war mantel clock.