One of the most interesting of Bertolla's clocks, and probably the last one which he produced, was found in his workshop. This timepiece indicates the hours, minutes and quarters by means of a single hand or index. The weight-driven clock strikes the hours and quarters on two bells with a single hammer. The chapter ring, which is soldered to the dial plate, is marked for the minutes on the outer rim and for the four quarters inside it. Over the center of it, is a semicircular opening in the dial plate through which is visible a revolving disk attached behind the dial plate. This disk is marked with the hours and revolves from right to left, the current hour being indicated by a projection from the minute ring. The brass dial plate is engraved with simple floral designs in the corners and around the broken arch. There is no comparison between this crude and simple decoration and the extremely fine quality of the engraving on the dial plate of the Borghesi clock, for instance. In the center of the dial plate is engraved the following:
"Questo orologio l'ideai e lo feci nella mia avanzata età d'anni 80. Barto Anto Bertolla"
(I designed and made this clock at my advanced age of 80 years. Bartolomeo Antonio Bertolla.)
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Borghesi, Novissimum Theorico-Practicum Astronomicum Authoma Juxta Pariter Novissimum Mundi Systema..., pp. 8-9.
[2] Wenham, "Tall Case Clocks," p. 33.
[3] Von Bertele, "The Development of Equation Clocks," parts 1 through 5.
[4] Engelmann, Philipp Matthäus Hahn; Vischer, Beschreibung mechanischer Kunstwerke....
[5] Lloyd, Some Outstanding Clocks Over Seven Hundred Years, 1250-1950, pp. 116, 118, 120.
[6] San Cajetano, Praktische Anleitung für Künstler....
[7] Franch, La Valle di Non.