Sundial - Hermle (Franz Hermle & Söhne) of de Franse fabrikant Japy Frères. - Wood - 1920-1930 - Sundial

This is a hand-carved, solid wood clock from the first half of the 20th century (circa 1920–1950), most likely of French or Spanish origin.
The rear reveals a number of specific technical details:
• Material: The sunburst wreath is carved entirely from wood. The reddish-brown back shows the typical grain of worked wood and is covered with a protective base coat (often based on red bole, the traditional ground for gold leaf). This completely excludes cheaper vintage plastic reproductions (Syroco) or casting resin.
• The movement: In the center sits the original round copper housing of a mechanical clock. The open-worked, perforated brass back plate was used to ventilate the ticking of the clock and to give it sound.
• Hanging system: On the right side is an antique, sturdy metal hanging eye with screws mounted. The position thereof confirms the earlier suspicion: the clock should be hung so that this eye is at the top. Once you turn the clock around so that the hanging eye is on top, the dial at the front also stands upright with the XII in the correct position.