Ship's Bell Clock, c. 1980
Jahresuhren-Fabrik G.m.b.H. Aug. Schatz & Söhne
Triberg, Germany
August Schatz (1854-1927) learned the trade of clockmaking in the Black Forrest town of Triberg. He and five friends formed their own clock company (Wintermantel) in 1881 after buying the remaining inventory and equipment of another clockmaker. After making clocks in the style of Vienna regulators their focus shifted to the Jahresuhren or 400 Day clocks. Sales, however, were poor and August recognized the need for modernizing their production methods. After following the American example of production, the company grew and sales soared.
In 1884, the company reorganized under the name Jahresuhren_Fabik A.G. By 1923, with all the remaining partners now gone, Shatz was joined by his two sons and the name changed a final time to Jahresuhren-Fabirk G.m.b.H. Aug. Shatz & Söhne.
The company first began manufacturing eight-day ship's bell clocks in 1958 and became a leading manufacturer of them and accompanying instruments such as barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, and clinometers.
The case of this ship's bell clock is mounted in a wooden ship's wheel to emphasize it's nautical function.
Donated by Dr. Warner D. Bundens, Jr., FNAWCC #1177
81.98.122