Revolving romance with a Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik (HAU) clock shelf model
In the world of antique clock collecting, determining the exact production year of a Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik (HAU) clock can be a challenging endeavour. This is especially true when plaques and catalogs, often relied upon for such information, prove unreliable.
Our latest case study involves a time and strike mantel clock, purchased during the Christmas season, which was initially thought to be English due to a commemorative plaque on the front base section referencing an English church. However, upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the clock is actually German, as identified by its style and the trademark of the maker, HAU or HAC.
The clock, a late production model, was produced circa 1926. This is evident from the movement, which has many cutouts and additional holes compared to an earlier model. Yet, the date on the plaque of the purchased clock is 1926, a detail that initially led the seller, a clock collector, to believe the clock was English.
Given the limitations of plaques and catalogs, alternative methods are necessary to approximate the production year of an HAU clock. One such method is movement identification. HAU clocks often carry a movement number or a specific marking on the movement itself. By researching or consulting with clock experts, patterns or sequences in these markings can be identified that might indicate the production year.
Another method is serial number analysis. If the clock has a serial number, it can sometimes be used to estimate the production year. However, this method requires access to detailed records or historical documents that correlate serial numbers with specific production periods.
Historical research and documentation can also provide clues. Consulting historical records, sales catalogs, or other documents from the era can offer valuable insights into the clock's origin and age.
Stylistic analysis can help narrow down the production year by understanding the design trends and styles prevalent during different periods. For instance, Art Deco or Art Nouveau styles were popular during specific eras.
Consulting expert opinions can provide more precise information based on their expertise and experience. Engaging with clock collectors, historians, or professional restorers can offer valuable insights.
Physical inspection is another crucial step. Inspecting the clock's components, such as the type of material used, the quality of craftsmanship, and any distinctive features, can also provide clues about its age.
In our case, the absence of a crown and the fact that the clock runs for a while before stopping are additional clues that contribute to the estimated age of the clock.
This article is part of a series about the Hamburg American Clock Company. In the first part, we delved into the process of servicing this mantel clock. This is the second part of a two-part series.
In 1926, HAU or HAC went into a cooperative with Junghans and finally merged with Junghans in 1930. The famous crossed-arrows trademark of HAU or HAC became their trademark in 1892.
Though plaques and catalogs are good sources of information, they are not foolproof. Therefore, it is essential to employ a combination of methods to accurately date an HAU clock.
The latest case study in our series about the Hamburg American Clock Company revolves around a vintage clock, purchased during the Christmas season, believed to be English due to a commemorative plaque indicating an English church. However, upon closer inspection and style analysis, the clock was identified as a late German production model from 1926, despite the discrepant plaque date.
Despite plaques and catalogs being commonly used sources of information, they are not always reliable, making it necessary to employ alternative methods, such as movement identification, serial number analysis, historical research, stylistic analysis, expert opinions, and physical inspection, to approximate the production year of a HAU clock more accurately.
%20clock%20shelf%20model){kind=link}