Mantel clock with Westminster chime - Gustav BECKER - Wood, steel, brass, glass - 1910-1920 - Desk clock

Imposing desk clock made by Gustav Becker in Freiburg in Schlesien, then Germany and now Poland, one of the leading German clockmakers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This clock stands out for its great build sturdiness, presence, and its substantial weight, approximately 6 kg, which naturally influences shipping costs. The wooden case is curved-topped and features elegant decorative inlays on the front of the base. Inside it houses a three-train mechanical movement with an approximate eight-day power reserve. The dial has three independent keyholes: winding, hourly strike, and Westminster chime.

The movement is marked: “Gustav Becker – Freiburg in Schl. Medal/Or – P18 – No. 2,337,494.” This number 2,337,494 corresponds to the movement numbering used by Gustav Becker in Freiburg production. Available documentation places Freiburg numbers around 1,945,399 in 1925 and 2,244,868 in 1926, before serial information becomes incomplete after the integration into the Junghans organization.

The Westminster strike mechanism consists of 8 rods, distributed in two groups of four. The melody is produced by 4 short rods, which create a brighter, clearer, more defined sound. The hour strike acts on 4 longer rods, generating a noticeably deeper, more resonant tone capable of filling the entire room. The combination of both registers provides a particularly rich and powerful sound, reinforced by the robustness of the case and the considerable weight of the assembly. At the top of the dial there is a “CHIME / SILENT” selector, allowing the strike to be activated or silenced.

The silvered metal dial features Roman numerals, ornamental hands, and an elegant floral engraving on the metal. The front door incorporates a thick bevelled glass and, with a key, allows direct access to the dial and to the strike chimes. The back features a separate door for movement access and a grille that aids sound propagation.

It is delivered with the pendulum, suspension rod, winding key, and case key, as shown in the photographs, which form part of the description. To reduce the risk of damage during transportation, these movable accessories will be sent dismantled and protected in a separate envelope inside the same package and alongside the clock.

Currently the clock does not work and is sold as such. At a glance, the movement appears complete and no visually serious defects are evident; it will probably require some TLC (“tender loving care”) and the skilled hand of a clockmaker. The date and time markings visible in the photographs reflect the clock’s state at the moment they were taken.

Shipping is carried out with all necessary packing precautions to avoid transport damage as much as possible. A tracking number is provided.