Horolovar Flying Pendulum Clock Value Guide

The Horolovar Flying Pendulum Clock is a mid-20th-century reproduction of Adler Christian Clausen's 1883 'craziest clock in the world.' It is highly collectible for its unique mechanical action, featuring a tethered ball that swings and wraps around vertical posts to mark the passage of time.

What affects the value of Horolovar Flying Pendulum Clock?

• Mechanical functionality is critical, as the erratic movement is prone to tangling or timing issues if not maintained.
• The condition of the cotton string and the original brass ball significantly impacts the market price.
• Presence of the original Horolovar packaging or historical documentation from the Charles Terwilliger era increases rarity.
• Cosmetic preservation of the brass components, specifically the lack of pitting or heavy oxidation, drives higher valuations.

How to Identify Horolovar Flying Pendulum Clock?

• Look for the 'Horolovar' brand name and 'Made in West Germany' markings on the movement or base.
• Verify the presence of the original cotton string and brass ball assembly, which are essential to the flying pendulum mechanism.
• Check for the dark wood base and brass vertical posts characteristic of the 1960s-1970s Terwilliger reproductions.
• Confirm the clock features the distinct 1883 Jerome & Co. style dial face used for these novelty revivals.

History of Horolovar Flying Pendulum Clock

Originally patented in 1883 by Adler Christian Clausen, this design was commercially unsuccessful due to its erratic movement. In the mid-20th century, Charles Terwilliger of the Horolovar Company revived the design as a novelty reproduction, manufacturing them in West Germany. It features a tethered ball that wraps around two vertical posts to track time.