Antique Winterhalder & Hofmeier Library Clock W&H K Movement c1900 Working
Antique Winterhalder & Hofmeier Library Clock W&H K Movement c1900 Working
Antique Winterhalder & Hofmeier Ebonised Library Clock
An early 20th-century German movement of real pedigree, in a compact architectural ebonised library clock case, fully serviced and running true.
About This Clock
A handsome antique library clock fitted with a quality Winterhalder & Hofmeier movement, confirmed from the backplate stamp, and housed within a compact architectural ebonised wooden case — the kind of quietly distinguished piece traditionally kept on a desk or library shelf rather than a full-sized mantel clock.
Winterhalder & Hofmeier of Schwenningen were among the most respected German clock movement makers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, supplying reliable, well-engineered movements to case makers and retailers across Europe and beyond. Their movements have a lasting reputation among horologists for solid construction and dependable long-term performance.
The case features a glazed front door, a separate rear access door, stepped mouldings and a gently shaped top with canted corners. Its restrained black finish contrasts beautifully with the aged cream dial, black Roman numerals and decorative pierced steel hands.
Winterhalder & Hofmeier
A Name Trusted by Case Makers Across Europe
Founded in Schwenningen, the heartland of German clockmaking, Winterhalder & Hofmeier built a reputation over decades for movements that were robust, accurate and built to be serviced and enjoyed for generations rather than replaced.
The backplate on this movement is clearly stamped, confirming both the maker and giving a reliable basis for dating the piece to the early 20th century.
Original Painted Dial
The clock retains its original cream-painted metal dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track. The painted surface displays natural age-related craquelure and mellowing, with small areas of loss around several fixing points and the winding aperture, consistent with its age and adding to its antique character. It has not been repainted or artificially restored.
Restoration Carried Out by Mahn & Co
- Movement fully dismantled, ultrasonically cleaned, and inspected
- Mainsprings lubricated with Novostar oil
- Pivots lubricated with synthetic clock oil
- Movement reassembled, regulated and bench tested
- Ebonised case cleaned, revived and waxed, preserving original character
- Glass, interior, pendulum and fittings cleaned and inspected
- Brass pendulum polished to a soft, appropriate finish
As with all antique mechanical clocks, minor variation in timekeeping may occur depending on temperature, position and handling, and small adjustment after transport can occasionally be required.
Details
| Maker | Winterhalder & Hofmeier, Schwenningen — confirmed by backplate stamp |
| Movement | Eight-day mechanical timepiece |
| Period | Early 20th century, indicative dating approximately 1900–1915 |
| Origin | Germany |
| Case | Ebonised wooden library clock case, architectural form, with glazed front door and separate rear access door |
| Dial | Original painted metal dial with age-related craquelure |
| Hands | Decorative pierced steel hands |
| Dimensions | Approx. 26 cm / 10.24 in high × 22 cm / 8.66 in wide × 14.5 cm / 5.71 in deep |
| Included | Brass pendulum and winding key |
Antique Condition
This clock is over one hundred years old and retains visible signs of age and previous use, including scattered marks, edge wear and small areas where the underlying timber shows through the ebonised finish, along with craquelure and small paint loss on the original dial. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of this description.
Delivery
The pendulum will be removed and individually wrapped for transport, and the clock will be carefully prepared and securely packed using generous protective materials, with clear setup, winding and care instructions included.
A distinctive antique library clock combining a wonderfully aged original dial, an elegant ebonised case and a genuinely dependable Winterhalder & Hofmeier movement, fully serviced and ready to keep good time in its next home.