Hinrich Risenberg

Hinrich Risenberg, Lübeck, Germany, circa 1640. Fine and very rare rock crystal and gilt bronze pre-balance spring, single-hand pendant watch. Two-body, octagonal, the front with faceted rock crystal mounted in gilt bezel engraved in repeated pattern,back made entirely of a single piece of rock crystal octagonal in form and faceted on the back, mounted in giltbrass frame, flower pendant, loose ring, small finial. Silver ring with champlevé radial Roman numerals andhalf-hour markers set on gilt brass plate engraved in the center with a fisherman, a castle in the background,outside floral and fruit pattern. Blued steel "tulip" hand. Oval, 37 x 27 mm, gilt brass full plate, turned balusterpillars, fusee and chain, 4-wheel train, verge escapement, circular iron foliot, irregular pierced and engravedcock, gilt brass click for the mainspring set-up, ratchet wheel pierced and engraved en suite.Signed on the movement.Dim. 60 x 34 mm. Notes Hinrich Risenberg (also Riesenberch) (c. 1600 – c. 1680) Is mentioned at least twice in the Lübeck archives, once in 1656, and once a year later. He must have been a very well respected horologist, since St. Jacob’s Church ordered a tower clock from him, which he delivered in 1656.