It’s a Bittersweet Symphonium this life

Of the curious collection of timepieces featured in this week’s Clocks, Musical & Scientific Instrument auction (8 June), there is perhaps one that leads the charge as being the most unusual. Lot 1442, a rare 19th-century symphonium disc bracket clock by the illustrious German manufacturers Junghans, stands out as a rare example of a number of these music player/clock compendiums being produced towards the end of the century.

At first glance, though attractive in its design, the bracket clock doesn’t allude to anything particularly unusual in its function. It is only once you lift the hinged caddy top that you reveal its secret function as the CD player of its day (if you can remember CDs that is!)

This fine example comes with twenty-eight discs in total, each stamped with the instantly recognisable ‘schutzmarke’ of the Junghans Watch & Clock Cco. With such favourites as ‘Coming Thro’ the Rye’ as well as ‘Auld Lang Syne’, this rarity of a clock will be sure to have you dancing in time to many a classic.

View the lot here >>>

Featuring timepieces of all types – from the grandest grandfather clock to the most elegant enamel clock – and instruments including sextants, military and medical pieces, as well as musical instruments and cameras.

Dedicated auctions of clocks & instruments are held every six weeks

Written by James Bruce