Fritz Korfhage Astronomical Precision Clock Unusual Beat Adj. of Satori Pendulum w/Fused Silica Rod

Описание: The solid oak case with moulded pediment above a square door smooth round bezel with glazed window displaying the 10" silvered dial with astronomical format dial, The slender trunk with slender er glazed door where pendulum and side falling weight are visible along with a graduated beat scale mounted to rear of case beneath the precision pendulum adjustment nuts. The back board mounted with a brass plate with machined brass movement bracket and integral pendulum support at top and brass roller drum taking the weight cable to the side of the case where brass weight and pulley descend clear of the pendulum as used on only the finest regulators. The fronting a high quality 4 spoke weight driven eight-day movement having a high count train with jeweled bearings and pallets, maintaining power and, the discus-shaped pendulum with regulation nut and "failsafe" suspension to prevent the fragile fused silica quartz pendulum rod from a suspension drop.

The pendulum rod being made of fused quartz (silica) was first implemented and patented by Viennese inventor and scientist Karl Satori. Besides his involvement in astronomy and several other clock related patents, he was also very keen in exploring pendulum materials and different methods of air pressure and temperature compensation.

Recognizing the unfortunate jumps steel pendulum rods experience during temperature changes and their reaction to magnetic fields, he experiments with fusing quartz into seconds pendulum rods. In 1912 he files his patent of the quartz pendulum.

The Satori pendulum patent design employed a Discus bob very similar to one used in this timepiece but his rod were round and mounted differently. The pendulum rod is square in this timepiece as well as having different mounting method vs Satori patent. Satori timepieces using his silica pendulum are considered masterpieces of horology. This clock made shortly after has its own upgrades and with its jeweled movement and completely mechanical is a masterpiece in its own right.

This clock dates from 1915-20

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German Watchmaker Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Korfhage, "Fritz," was born on December 10, 1863, in Buer and baptized on January 6, 1864. He was the second son of Justus Friedrich Eduard Korfhage. Like his father and three brothers, he became a watchmaker.

Fritz married Marie Louise Caroline Dorothea Eggers (1873-1949) on December 7, 1895, in Melle. Six daughters were born from this marriage, but none of the daughters became watchmakers or took over their father's company.

Father Eduard handed the company over to his sons Heinrich and Fritz in 1887. Heinrich was in charge of the tower clock department, and Fritz was in charge of the house clock department. After his father's death in 1906, he became independent and founded the F. Korfhage grandfather clock factory. Fritz continued to live in his parents' house at number 25 and also had his workshop there. He specialized, among other things, in the manufacture of pocket watches and crafted artistically unique grandfather clocks.

Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Korfhage, "Fritz," died on December 30, 1927, in Buer, at the age of 74.


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Harvey Webber
Ham[ton, NH

603-396-0194