An exceptionally rare early 17th Century Augsburg automaton ...

Estimate

£10,000 - £20,000

An exceptionally rare early 17th Century Augsburg automaton clock in the form of a rampant lion, thought to be by Jackob van Kress. On ebonised moulded plinth raised on gilt bun feet, the glass panelled sides revealing the movement, supporting an octagonal chequered gilt pavement with the lion on two rear paws resting a front paw on a chased gilt cartouche with a circular silvered dial with Roman and Arabic chapters and single hour hand, the raised right paw holding a sceptre. The fusee-driven verge movement with elongated octagonal brass backplate, joined by four brass pillars, going train with gut fusee (broken) and verge escapement, count wheel striking train with standing barrel striking the hours on a bell planted on the back plate; the automation movement presumed to be placed on the top plate below the pavement. Not seen working but it is presumed that the the swing of the balance causes the eyes to roll back and forth, the lion's jaw and tongue linked to the hour striking. The main plate beneath the clock stamped I.V.K. is thought to denote Jackob van Kress rather than Johann Valentin Köllner (who was also active in the Augsburg Guild in the 17th Century and used the same initials) but Jackob van Kress is noted to have created an automaton lion clock. 33cm high x 24cm front to back, 16cm side to side.

Jakob van Kress (also spelled von Kreß or Kress) was a distinguished clockmaker born around 1562. He established himself as an independent craftsman in Augsburg, Germany, in 1599, although records indicate he was active prior to this date. His career extended at least until 1619.

Augsburg, during van Kress’s time, was a renowned center for clockmaking, celebrated for its intricate and high-quality timepieces. Van Kress contributed to this legacy by creating elaborate clocks that exemplified the artistry and technical skill of the period.

A significant piece attributed to van Kress is a pocket watch from around 1600, currently part of the Moscow Kremlin Museums’ collection.