Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-03-21
The Apostolic Clock.
From the Boston Advertiser.

A fac-simile OF the original apostolic,
musical and astromical clock IN the
Strassburg Cathedral, curious and
wonderful piece of mechanism, cele-
brated the world over, was opened for
exhibition at Horticultural (lower) Hall
yesterday. 1t is the work of young
clockmaker's apprentice, Fritz Won
Engle of Strassburg, who having con-
ceived the idea of making fac-simile
of the clock invented by Issac Habrieht,
obtained permission from the sexton
of the cathedral to copy it. After
seven years close application to his
self-imposed task his work was COM
pleted, and SO overjoyed was the young
man that he became insane and died
six months sitter. A disagreement
arose among the heir respecting the
disposition of the clock, which was
purchased about a year ago by the
present proprietors for the sum of So
900 in gold. The clock stands on the
base four feet front, three-and-a- half
feet deep, and ten feet four inches
high. The lower section hiss dial
representing the ancient zodiac, with
the stars of the first, second and third
magnitude, with the signs of each
month of the year exhibited at the
proper time and seasons, the dial max
ing but one revolution in the year, and
but one-half Of it exposed at time.
Above this, in each corner, are lion s
heads with rings in their mouths.
Above this is another section, with q
dial twenty-five inches in diameter, Ola
which is represented on the
outer circle the minutes and
hours in the usual manner. With
in are four dials, representing the
month, day of the month, day of the
week, and phases of the moon. In al
coves on either side of the frames are
carved figures Of Time and and Justice.
Above this are two Roman columns,
with capital, representing two rams
heads. On the top of the capital there
stands a wolf watching the sheep.
Above the dial is a keystone, with a
small door In the centre, with a cheru-
BIN on either side guarding it. The
top section is in the form Of q Gothic
chapel, with a small door on either
side, and large one over stair in
front in the centre, with a balcony over
certre, and spires extending up either
side. AT every half hour is heard the
ringing of a bell, and the door of the
keystone opens. showing the figure of
Death, followed by the music Of all or
gan. Three minutes after chime of
twenty bells is heard, when from the
right door of the chapel the disciples
come out in procession, while the CEN
tire door opens and the Savior comes in
sight. AS the disciples reach him they
pause, one by one turn their faces to-
wards him and bow, except Peter,
which is the central fl CURE. The bow
is returned by the Savior, and immedi-
ately cock perched on the right cor
ner flaps his wings and crows, when
Satan appears and disappears in the
balcony above. Meanwhile Roman
sentinel on the left of the procession
has faced towards it and remains until
the procession has passed, when Satan
appears again, turning his head in the
direction of Judas. After Satan ap-
pears he is followed by the music of
the organ, when the left door closes the
scene. The Apostles come out every
half hour during the day and evening.
WILLIAM SIMPSON sold his for,,o =,