c.1860 Swiss Interchangeable Cylinder Musical Box On The Original Stand, Bremond, Geneva.

Inv. #G28

A very nice mid-Victorian interchangeable music box on the original stand and with the original tune sheet. The inlaid box with canted corners, walnut veneer, ebonises edges and decorative floral inlay to the front and hinged top. The interior of the box is separated into three separate sections. The center section contains the movement and has a glazed hinged cover, on one side is the winder and on the other are the control levers, one to start and stop the box and the other is the tune change.

The box is fitted with a high quality Swiss interchangeable music box movement that has a steel one-piece comb with 100 teeth, two hinged lock-downs with screwed locks, plays 10.75in. cylinders each with 8 tunes, has a brass bedplate, a cast cock for the endless screw with a jeweled end stone, retains its original Geneva Stop and is numbered 16927 in several places. There are seven pinned cylinders, six in the drawer and one in the movement, each numbered in several places from 1-7

The box sits on the original stand that has similar inlay work on a walnut veneered base with ebonises edges, has four thick turned legs that are both grain-painted and ebonises and stand on the original casters, has a molded shaped spot for the box to sit that is open underneath to allow the sound out and has a drawer in the front that holds six cylinders.

Accompanying the box and stand is the original framed tune sheet. It is titled 'Orchestrion on 56 Airs' and has the names of the 8 tunes on each of the seven cylinders.

Only a few makers made such high quality boxes with stands. The design of the tune sheet and the shape and style of the box and stand help us attribute this to Bremond with a possible association to Greiner.

For a more complete description of Bremond and an example of a similar box see: 'Musical Box' by Ord-Hume.

Overall height: 35in
Size of Stand: 28in. high x 32in.wide x 22in.deep.
Size of Music Box: 7in.high x 24in.wide x 9in.deep.

SOLD

c.1890 Swiss Silver and Gilt-Bronze Green Variegated Marble Inclined Plane Clock.

Inv. #: G114
Maker: E. Gubelin, Lucerne.
Dial: The elaborately engraved silvered dial has Roman numerals for the hours, gilt fleur-de-lye hands, is signed by the maker, 'E. Gubelin, Lucerne' and has a blued indicator hand.

Below is the silvered and engraved scale that is also signed by the maker, E. Gubelin, Lucerne’ and has the days of the week in English and divided into six hour increments.
Movement: The eight-day weight-driven time-only movement retains the original lever platform.
Notes: This is an ingenious design with the earliest example dating c.1600. The idea was later patented by the Marquis of Worcester in 1661 and additional clocks based on similar principles were made by Nicolas Grollier De Servierè.

The weighted dial swivels on the center arbor and always remains vertically oriented as the small pointer below indicates the day and approximate time of day on the scale as it runs. To keep the drum from rolling too quickly a brass bound lead weight compensates for gravity and controls the speed. It will continue to run until it reaches the bottom when to wind one must only place the drum back at the top.

For additional information on Inclined Plane Clocks see Robert's, 'Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks,' pg.53.
Size: 23.5in.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1895 French Gilt Bronze Four Glass with Terrestrial Globe, Hour, Wanamaker and Delemarche.

Inv. #F145

A very rare late-Victorian gilt-bronze four-glass terrestrial globe clock retailed by both Charles Hour and John Wanamaker with the globe by Maison Delamarche. The stately gilt-bronze case has reeded columns to the corners, beveled glasses to all sides and is surmounted by the globe mechanism.

Mounted within a shaped gilt-bronze frame is the globe which is signed 'Maison Delamarche Paris Rue Serpente 25'. It is driven by the movement below and is carried declined. The silvered engraved equatorial ring above has a small fixed sun and Roman numerals for the hours while below is a vertically mounted silvered engraved annual calendar ring. Since this could be used as a teaching instrument provisions are made for both disengaging the clockwork from the mechanism above and for manually advancing the globe-work.

The high quality eight day time and strike movement has a steel suspension, a pin-pallet escapement, is stamped on the back 'CH Hour, France', 'Made in France', 'John Wanamaker, London, New York, Paris', '5453' and carries two arbors that drive the mechanism above.

The gilt-bronze dial has a decorative cast bezel, a sunken dial that indicates days of week, Roman numerals for the hours, steel-cut hands and is signed 'John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, New York, Paris, Ch Hour, France'.

The clock is designed to demonstrate the equation of time – the difference between mean time and solar time. The sun is represented by the gilt piece secured to the equatorial ring. As the clock runs it indicates mean time, but the globe does not consistently rotate on its axis 360 degrees in exactly 24 hours. Instead, it rotates at the solar rate for the day of the year indicated on the scale below. The comparison of the globes position to the time below demonstrates the Equation of Time. Since it is also a 24 hour dial, the equatorial ring also illustrates world time.

Ref:
Charles Hour was originally founded under the name of Diette in 1852. Their stamp is a good indication of quality.
John Wanamaker and Co. was established in 1875 in Philadelphia. They had interests in Paris and London and imported fine European decorative items to the US.
Maison Delamarche was established in Paris in the 18th century by Charles Francois Delamarche (1740-1817). The firm continued to make globes into the 20th century.
Meraux Sale, Sotheby's, Sale 6447, 1993, Lot 483.

Height – 26in.

SOLD

c.1900 Rare Gilt-Bronze and Rosewood Gravity Ball Industrial Clock.

Inv. #: DF39
Dial: The thick glass time dial has black Roman numerals with red shadow lines for the hours and steel cut hands. The clear circular beveled glass barometer dial has a black reverse painted scale with the indications in French and steel and brass indicator hands. The white porcelain Centigrade thermometer scale has the indications in French and has an alcohol filled glass tube.
Movement: The time movement is located above and has large plates, a Brocot escapement and is powered by the balls in the large wheel. The large movement in the base is wound out the front or back, is tripped by the rotating wheel and when activated lifts the conveyor belt which deposits another ball in the wheel.
Notes: As the clock runs and the large wheel slowly rotates it allows a ball to escape down the three tier track into the conveyor belt about once per minute. When activated the belt lifts and another ball is allowed to roll into the track above and then drop into the wheel. The piece should be fairly accurate since the power comes from the constant weight of the balls instead of a spring with varying degrees of power.
Size: 22in.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1845 Carriage Clock in an Ebonized Case with Ripple Moldings.

Inv. #: DF60
Maker: Hy. MARC A PARIS.
Dial: The white porcelain dial is framed by an engraved gilt-bronze mask, has Roman numerals for the hours, steel tre-foil hands and is signed, 'Hy MARC A PARIS'.
Movement: A very nice quality eight-day time and strike movement with the original balance platform, a helical balance spring, wound and set off the backplate, stamped by the maker in an oval, 'Hy MARC/PARIS' and striking by countwheel on a gong.
Notes: Henry Marc is listed as working in Paris in 1870.
Size: 9.5in.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1845 French Engraved Gilt-Bronze Carriage Clock.

Inv. #: DF63
Maker: Paul Garnier, 1970.
Dial: The white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, gilt-bronze Tre-Foil hands and is signed 'Paul Garnier/Her du Roi/Paris'.
Movement: The two-train eight-day movement is stamped on the frontplate, 'HL', is wound, set and adjusted off the backplate either directly or through the back door, has rack and snail striking on a bell, is stamped and numbered 'Paul Garnier/Her du Roi/Paris/1970' and most importantly has Garnier's chaff cutter escapement.
Notes: Both the case and movement are stamped 1970.
Paul Garnier is commonly credited to have begun the carriage clock industry in France. His chaff cutter frictional-rest escapement provided a reliable alternative to some of the more common examples as it eliminated the contrate wheel, reduced lateral wear and was easily produced. He designed and made several series of case styles that are commonly referred to as Series I to IV. Although he adopted the rack form of striking early on, he still produced examples using countwheel striking throughout his career.

The initials HL stand for Henri Lemaille who produced 'blanc roulants' for some of the best makers in Paris including Drocourt and LeRoy.

For additional information on Paul Garnier see:
  • 'Carriage and Other Traveling Clocks', Roberts, pg. 41.
  • 'Carriage Clocks', Charles Allix, pg. 54.
  • 'The Bulletin', NAWCC, Dec. 2007, pg. 669.
Size: 5in.(w/out handle)
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1885 French Variegated Grey-marble and Gilt-Metal and Bronze Mystery Clock.

Inv. #: F162
Maker: Guilmet, 328.
Case: The grey and black variegated marble case has a stepped base with gilt-bronze mounts that include lions to the side, a cast bezel and animal feet. Above a gilt-metal statue of a nymph and Cupid supports the pendulum. The case, along with all the mounts and statue, bear the case number '378'.
Dial: The circular ormolu dial has Roman numerals for the hours on a smooth chapter ring, an engine-turned center and steel Breguet-style hands.
Movement: The circular eight-day time and strike movement is signed and numbered by Guilmet, 'GLT' in an oval and '328'.
Notes: The obvious mystery is why does the pendulum move? There is no apparent connection between it and the movement so what keeps it going? The answer is quite ingenious. The gilt-bronze platform on which the statue stands oscillates side to side, thus imparting impulse to the pendulum. The platform is supported by an adjustable arbor that is pivoted top and bottom within the case. Perpendicularly screwed to that arbor is another arm that engages the patented escapement mounted on the front end. As the polished tip of that arm gets pushed over by the escapement it rotates the platform and swings the pendulum. The length of the pendulum, like all clocks, controls the rate of the clock. The platform and statue move so little that it is difficult to see without magnification.

For a more detailed discussion on Mystery clocks see: 'Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks' by Derek Roberts, pg. 241.
Size: 22.5in.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1830 French Ebony and Ormolu Swinging Portico Clock, LeRoy à Paris.

Inv. #P73

A rare early 19th century ebony and ormolu swinging portico clock by LeRoy à Paris. The superb ebony veneered two column portico case has tapered columns with finely cut ebony moldings and numerous ormolu mounts that include decorative appliqués, stylized capitals and engine-turned bun feet.

The clock is housed in the 9-rod gridiron bi-metallic pendulum that has a cast ormolu bob, is suspended via reverse knife-edge and has the fast/slow adjustment in the center. At the bottom is a screwed pointer that indicates circular degrees against a rectangular ormolu indicator and in the center is a steel-cut hand that indicates the degree of compensation.

The ormolu dial has a center of concentric circles with various decorative engine turning, painted Roman numerals for the hours set in recessed circles, a name plaque with 'Le Roy A Paris' and two exceptional steel-cut Breguet-style hands.

The eight-day time and strike movement has a crutch that engages a pin on the back of the ormolu register mount. As the clock runs impulse is directed to the crutch and since the pin is immobile the pendulum with the clock swings side to side.

Swinging pendulum clocks had gained popularity in the mid-eighteenth century and continued to be made through the mid 19th century. They ranged both in size and design and like the rest of the decorative arts followed the emerging fashions with this being a particularly refined example.

Ref: For additional information and similar examples see:
Derek Roberts, 'Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks', Chapter 12.

Height - 21.5in.

SOLD

c.1845 French Inlaid Walnut Year Running Floor Standing Regulator, Lepaute à Paris.

Inv. #P113

A Louis Philippe walnut floor standing year running regulator by Lepaute à Paris. The small, well-proportioned case has nicely figured and colored walnut veneer, satinwood and ebony inlay, canted front corners, a stepped paneled plinth and a removable top.

The engraved silvered dial has Roman numerals for the hours, an ormolu bezel, finely cut Breguet style steel hands and is signed by the maker, 'Lepaute à Paris'.

The large rectangular movement is attached by two large screws with knurled ormolu heads to a massive brass bracket mounted by six steel screws to the backboard. It has finely cut wheelwork with high pinion counts, a dead-beat escapement with steel pallets carried on the backplate, an elongated crutch with a screwed beat adjustment and is powered by a massive weight that falls down a hidden channel behind the backboard.

The massive three rod bi-metallic compensating pendulum is suspended by spring from a shaped bracket with the fast/slow adjustment above. It has Ellicott type compensation within the glazed compartment in the center of the lenticular bob, a compensation indicator hand that points to a scale engraved with 'condensation/delatation', and a small engraved plaque mounted above that reads, 'On Me Remonte Tous Les Ans' (Rely on me through the years).

Ref: The Lepaute dynasty began in 1720 and lasted into the 20th century. They were an exceedingly talented family whose works are represented in some of the best collections in the world including the Frick and Metropolitan Museum of Art. This clock most likely was produced in the workshop of Henry Lepaute.

Height – 76.5in.

SOLD

c.1812 Large French Ormolu, Patinated and Antico Verde Marble Mantle Clock.

Inv. #: P122
Maker: Ledieur
Dial: Well-cast ormolu dial featuring Jason and Medea on a chased ground with Roman numerals for the hours and nicely shaped steel Breguet hands.
Movement: The eight-day time and strike movement has a silk thread suspension with the fast/slow off the backplate, is signed 'Ledieur' and strikes on a bell.
Notes: A wonderful model that depicts Jason reaching for the Golden Fleece moments after slaying the dragon.

One of the springs is dated 1812.

For a similar model see Kjellberg, pg. 413.

Lesieur is listed in Tardy's as working 1812-1820 at Rue de la Verrerie.

Although the stamped name on the back looks to be Ledieur at first glance, the 'd' is really a stylized 's'. Other examples with the same stamping on the backplate also bear 'Lesieur' on the dial.

There are also examples in the former bathing area of the empress Josephine at the Chateau de Malmaison and in the Spanish Royal Collection in Madrid.
Size: 24.5in. x 16in.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1810 Rare French Ormolu Four Horse Chariot Clock.

Inv. #: P124
Dial: The porcelain chapter ring dial set within the decorative ormolu chariot wheel has black Roman numerals for the hours and steel Breguet-style hands.
Movement: The eight-day time and strike movement has a silk-thread suspension with the fast/slow off the backplate and countwheel striking on a bell.
Notes: This piece is an extremely rare adaptation of the original model designed by Jean-Andre Reiche commonly referred to as 'The Chariot of Diomedes'. In this example, however, there are four horses harnessed together across the front which necessitates an enlarged base to accommodate the extra width.

This is the only example with four horses we've been able to find and was probably a special order.

For a similar two horse example see: 'French Bronze Clocks' pg.69.

Diomedes was an Achaean king, was considered the second best fighter to Achilles and was a favorite of Athena.
Size: 20in. wide, 18in high, 9.5in. deep.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1910 Swiss Silver, Enamel and Pink Guioché Enamel Minute Repeating Desk Clock.

Inv. #: G111
Retailer: Patch
Dial: The silvered dial has a sunken center, applied Arabic numbers and five-minute marks, bears the retailer's mark, 'Patch' and has spade hands.
Movement: The eight-day time and minute repeating movement is regulated out the back, wound and set out the bottom and has the repeat activation button out the side.
Notes: The bottom of the case is stamped '11996', 'Sterling' and has a rampant lion mark.

We've had another similar example with black and green enamel stripes by Cartier numbered 12527. See our sold category for details.
Size: 2.75in.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1865 Swiss Gold, Enamel and Diamond Beetle Watch with Matching Pin.

Inv. #: G109
Dial: The white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, red Arabic five minute marks and steel cut spade hands.
Movement: The silvered heart shaped movement is key wound and set off the back plate, jeweled and shielded by a hinged gold cover.
Notes: The combination of the wonderful enamel work, gems and gold work highlights the artistry and imagination of the late 19th century. The spring loaded hinged wings are released to view the time.
Size: 2 in. long (bug only)
1 in. wide
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1880 Swiss Gold, Enamel, Ruby and Diamond Beetle Watch with Matching Lizard Pin.

Inv. #: G108
Dial: The white porcelain dial has blue Arabic numbers for the hours with the exception of the red twelve, gold minute dots and gold spade hands.
Movement: The silvered movement is wound and set at the stem, jeweled and is protected by a glazed snap off cover.
Notes: The combination of the wonderful enamel work, gems and gold work highlights the artistry and imagination of the late 19th century. The spring loaded hinged wings are released to view the time.
Size: 1.75in long (bug only)
.75 in. wide
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1875 French Giant Gilt-Bronze Westminster Carriage Clock.

Inv. #F101

A very rare French gilt-bronze late nineteenth-century giant four-gong carriage clock. The massive case is a variation of the Anglaise Riche style and has a flared and stepped base, dentil work, a fluted hinged handle, detached fluted columns with Corinthian capitals, well-cast finials, five beveled glasses including the viewing glass for the balance and four bold toupie feet.

The eight-day grand-sonnerie striking movement is wound and set out the back, has a three position strike control lever out the base, retains its original balance platform with a bi-metallic balance wheel, is inscribed on the inside of the backplate 'AB', is stamped '3060' and strikes the hours and quarters on four steel coiled gongs either on each quarter automatically or by pressing the repeat button above. The first quarter of the strike pattern is identical to the Westminster chime and probably is why these clocks are commonly referred to as Westminster carriage clocks. They all do not continue, however, the Westminster chiming sequence, but merely reverse the sequence of notes for each subsequent quarter.

The dial has a silvered mask, a gilt-bronze dial with black Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic five-minute marks, steel-cut hands and a separate 12-hour alarm dial with Arabic numbers for the hours.

This model was produced in both four and five gong examples. While five gong models use four gongs for the quarters and strike the hour on an additional fifth gong, four gong models use only the four gongs for all the striking and shift one of the gong hammers over so it is activated by another set of pins for the hour striking. The stamped number on the backplate, '3060', is located in a semi-circle around the left bottom post which is usually an indication that the clock was made by Drocourt. Since there are no other marks except the hidden inscription 'AB' this might indicate a connection between the two firms.

Ref: For a similar clock and description of the inscription see: 'Fine Carriage Clocks', Fanelli, pg. 63.

"The letters AB have been frequently in secret places on many fine clocks, including those with 4-and5-gong grande sonneries. It is possible that the letters A B are for Alfred Baveux."

For a similar clock see: 'The Carriage Clock, 200 Years of Timely Allure', Vitale and Vitale, pg. 13.

Height - 7.75(case only)

Height - 9.325 (handle-up)

SOLD

c.1895 Large French Carved Wood, Onyx, Gilt-Bronze and Ivory Mantle Clock, JM Van Der Kemp, Paris.

Inv. #F142

A massive late 19th century French carved mantle clock by JM Van Der Kemp, Paris. The large classically inspired walnut case has crisp detailed moldings on the shaped base and arched top. A depiction of the Birth of Venus surmounts the clock as a carved figure of an outstretched Venus holding flowing drapery stands in a shell supported by two dolphins on a decorative plinth. Extremely well-cast gilt-bronze capitals and appliqués adorn the front and the onyx pilasters to the corners. To the front and sides are extremely well-carved panels that are decorated with garlands, marked in the corners 'VDK' and depict Venus in various poses.

The large, square eight day time and strike movement has the winding arbors off the backplate, is signed by the maker, 'Van Der Kemp, Paris', has a Brocot escapement, and strikes on a gong.

The classically inspired ivory dial has finely cast gilt bronze hands and bezel, is wonderfully painted, set beneath glass and is signed by the noted miniature dial painter 'Paillet'.

Ref: Paillet is noteworthy as he produced miniature ivory dials for some of the top watch firms including the jewelers Lacloche Frères.

Height – 37in.

SOLD

c.1885 French Gilt-Bronze and Tortoise Hanging Lantern Compendium.

Inv. #: F154
Retailer: Duryea & Potter, New York - Paris.
Dial: The cast decorative gilt-bronze time dial has Arabic five-minute marks, porcelain cartouche plaques with black Roman numerals for the hours and decorative engraved patinated hands.

The silvered engraved moondial is decorated with scrolling foliage, has rotating moons set in a starry sky against a painted landscape in the center and is signed by the retailer, 'Duryea & Potter, New York - Paris'.

The decorative gilt-bronze barometer dial has porcelain cartouche indicator plaques, Arabic numbers and a steel-cut indicator hand.
Movement: The eight-day time and strike movement has a Brocot suspension, strikes on a gong and advances the moondial once per day.
Notes: Joseph Meraux Sale, Sotheby's, 1993, Lot 253.
Size: 21in.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1830 French Mahogany and Ormolu Two-Column Inverted Swinging Clock.

Inv. #: DF40
Case Maker: Pigneret
Dial: The well-cast ormolu dial has a thick floral border around the outside edge, an engine turned center, black Arabic numbers on white grounds for the hours and steel-cut Breguet-style hands.
Movement: The clock is housed in the 9-rod gridiron bi-metallic pendulum that is suspended via reverse knife-edge and has the fast/slow adjustment in the center. At the bottom is a screwed pointer that indicates circular degrees against a rectangular ormolu indicator and in the center is a steel-cut hand that indicates the degree of compensation.

The eight-day time and strike movement engages a screwed slot mounted above and swings side to side.
Notes: Inverted Swinging clocks came in many different forms. Although all are very rare, those that were acquired for this collection were picked specifically for their superior quality, condition and form.
Size: 23in.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1840 French Ebony and Ormolu Lyre Form Inverted Swinging Clock.

Inv. #: DF42
Maker: LEDURE A PARIS
Dial: The ormolu dial has a cast floral border, a decorative engine-turned center and chapter, black Roman numerals on plain circular cartouches, a seconds dial and is signed, 'LEDURE F. DE BRONZE A PARIS'.
Movement: The clock is housed in the 9-rod gridiron bi-metallic pendulum that is suspended via reverse knife-edge and has the fast/slow adjustment and a steel-cut hand that indicates the degree of compensation in the center.

The eight-day time and strike movement engages a screwed pin mounted below and swings side to side.
Notes: Inverted Swinging clocks came in many different forms. Although all are very rare, those that were acquired for this collection were picked specifically for their superior quality, condition and form.

Ledure is listed as working in Paris during first part of the 19th century.
Size: 23in.
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1885 French Engraved Porcelain Paneled Carriage Clock, Drocourt.

Inv. #F106

A very nice quality late nineteenth century French engraved porcelain paneled carriage clock by Drocourt. The gilt-bronze cannelee case has well executed floral and geometric engraving on both smooth and matted grounds, a beveled oval glass above to view the balance platform, a hinged handle and porcelain panels to the sides and front. The well-drawn classically inspired polychrome porcelain panels depict couples in the various pursuits of love and are framed with blue borders adorned with gilt floral decoration.

The front panel has the two lovers below and incorporates the dial with well-lettered black Roman numerals for the hours set within a black minute chapter that has a musical trophy at the center and steel-cut spade hands.

The eight-day time, strike and hour repeat movement retains its original balance platform with a bi-metallic screwed balance wheel, is wound and set out the back, stamped with the maker's mark, numbered around the lower left movement post, '12152' and strikes on a gong.

It has become increasingly difficult to find fine decorative carriage clocks. We are lucky to have been able to assemble a collection that includes examples ranging from the purely decorative to the more technical. This example is particularly remarkable due to the high-quality workmanship and artistry employed throughout.

Ref: For a more detailed discussion on Drocourt see 'Carriage Clocks' by Charles Allix, pg. 438.

Drocourt's stamp was a 'D' and 'C' flanking a carriage clock set within an oval.

Height - 5.375in (w/out handle)

SOLD

c.1885 Gilt-Bronze Grande Sonnerie Oval Carriage Clock with Moon Dial, Simple Calendar and Alarm

Inv. #: DF25
Maker: Muiron, Mexico
Dial: The finely lettered dials are surrounded by an engraved mask. The time dial's center is decorated with clouds which frame the colorful aperture for the moon phase indicator. Below are the porcelain subsidiary dials for the simple calendar, day and date, and the alarm.
Movement: The eight-day movement still retains its original silvered balance-wheel platform, strikes and repeats on two gongs, and has Spanish writing on the back plate. Both the movement and the case are stamped '1081'.
Notes: Carriage clocks with moon phase indicators are extremely rare and are avidly sought by collectors.
Size: 7.75in. (handle-up).
Retail Price: SOLD

c.1830 Rare French Ormolu and Patinated Automaton Timepiece, Robert à Paris.

Inv. #P114

A very rare early 19th century ormolu, patinated bronze and polychrome paper mache 'negre fumeur' by Robert à Paris. The figure, Francois Dominique Toussaint, is depicted smoking a cigar in traditional ormolu garb that includes a ruffled shirt and a full-length cape. The arms, one resting on his belly and the other holding a cigar, are patinated bronze while the head is polychrome paper mache. The clock is housed in the belly and as it runs the head nods back and forth. The whole stands on an ebonized oval base raised on four feet.

The small silvered dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, an engine-turned bezel, a decorative engine turned center, engraved chapter lines and steel Breguet style hands.

The eight-day time-only movement is stamped by the maker, 'Robert A Paris' and has a pendulum with a lenticular bob that is suspended by reverse knife-edge from the back of the case. The well-balanced detachable paper mache head receives impulse from a small crutch mounted to the top of the pendulum and rocks back and forth on an internal arbor as the clock runs.

Ref: The figure represents Francois Dominique Toussaint (1746-1803), known as Toussaint-l'Ouverture who as a result of his cunning and bravery was made Commander and Chief of Haiti in 1797 and became its liberator in 1802.

A very similar clock was in Sotheby’s, London, ‘Clock and Watch Sale’, June ’92, Lot 397.

Height - 14in.

SOLD

c.1832 Extremely Rare Patinated and Ormolu Automated Conjuror Clock.

Inv. #: P123
Dial: The engine-turned silvered dial has Roman numerals for the hours and Breguet-style hands.
Movements: The eight-day time and strike movement has a silk thread escapement and countwheel striking on a bell.

The eight-day animation movement is positioned beside the clock movement and is would out the side. Fine chains provide the connection to both the figure and the trip mechanism located in the table. The 'ball and cup' animation is activated at each hour for eight days on a single wind.
Automation: Once activated the head tilts, the porcelain eyes shift and the arms alternately lift the cups to reveal different objects that magically appear and then jump between the cups.
Notes: Spring signed 1832.

The animated eyes, the open table and the female conjuror make this considerably more rare than the Houdin examples.

There is an interesting resemblance to the sunflower theme of the magician clocks made by Maillardets listed in 'Automata' by Chapuis Droz.

Coat of Arms: nemo me impune lacessit – No one provokes me with impunity.

Inscription is engraved around the edge of the English pound coin.

It is the motto of the Order of the Thistle and later on the Scottish royalty, but we are not entirely sure in this case it is British. It was probably originally made for a nobleman because of the turned helmet above the shield, but we've been unable to pinpoint it to a specific family.
Size: 23in.
Retail Price: SOLD
Jump to Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11