Lot Essay
A similar clock is illustrated in D. Roberts Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, 1999, p. 263, fig.22-23b. A nearly identical clock was sold Christie's, London, 4 July 2007, lot 49 (£13,800).
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The following automaton timepieces celebrate a long tradition of 'industrial clocks' which have their roots in 17th century Germany when mechanical ships and chariots were made to delight. The latter half of the 19th century saw an emerging clientele for clocks based on the innovations of industry, particularly those which embraced the forms of ships, locomotives and other marvels of machinery. The form of each clock offered here reflects an intense fascination with technological advancement which was shared among France's burgeoning middle-class who flocked to witness stands of machine tools at the great international exhibitions of the 19th century.
A FRENCH BRASS, SILVERED AND COPPER INDUSTRIAL WATER WHEEL AUTOMATON TIMEPIECE
CIRCA 1890
Details
A FRENCH BRASS, SILVERED AND COPPER INDUSTRIAL WATER WHEEL AUTOMATON TIMEPIECE
CIRCA 1890
With thermometer and barometer dials flanking a time dial with silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring, the wheel above with wooden paddles (every fourth in brass painted to simulate wood for counter-balancing) and geared to two rising and falling pumps, the single barrel movement with cylinder escapement, the automaton movement possibly later, on a rouge griotte base
14¾ in. (37.5 cm.) high, 13 1/3 in. (34.5 cm.) wide
CIRCA 1890
With thermometer and barometer dials flanking a time dial with silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring, the wheel above with wooden paddles (every fourth in brass painted to simulate wood for counter-balancing) and geared to two rising and falling pumps, the single barrel movement with cylinder escapement, the automaton movement possibly later, on a rouge griotte base
14¾ in. (37.5 cm.) high, 13 1/3 in. (34.5 cm.) wide
Provenance
The Joseph M. Meraux Collection of Rare and Unusual Clocks; Sotheby's, New York, 28 June 1993, lot 53.
Acquired from Garrard, London, 1994.
Acquired from Garrard, London, 1994.
Brought to you by
Andrew McVinish
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