A fascinating Austrian, or possibly South German, rack clock mounted on a shaped giltwood backboard. Circa 1780. The origin of these interesting clocks goes back to the 17th century; the concept being that the weight of the clock, as it descends down the rack, provides the motive power. The substantial brass rack, which is bolted to the backboard, has applied gilt metal floral decoration to the top and bottom. The convex white enamelled dial, some 3.25" (8.5cms ) in diameter, has roman numerals and blued steel hands. Surrounding it is an attractive gilded mask with putti to either side symbolising time, one carrying an hour glass and the other a scythe, whilst in the centre is a cockerel. The rest of the mask features floral and other decoration. The movement, which is surrounded by lead to increase the driving weight, has a three wheel train, verge escapement and a pendulum which swings to and fro in front of the dial. The attractively shaped softwood backboard, to which the rack is fixed, has a raised border with nearly all the original gilding still intact. The body of the backboard, also gilded, has red painted flutes running down it. Length: 28.5". ( 72.5 cms. ) Literature: Examples of these clocks are to be seen in 'Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks' by Mr Derek Roberts, pages 61 & 62. 'Faszination Uhr' by Negretti/De Vecchi, page 32.