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04-20-202104-29-2021
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April 20, 2021 12:00 PM - April 29, 2021 07:00 PMCalender
1223

Large A. Guilmet Patinated and Gilt-brass Figural Mystery Clock

Sell one like this
$18,750$15,000
Auction: Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments - 3595TLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: April 20, 2021 12:00PM

Description:

Large A. Guilmet Patinated and Gilt-brass Figural Mystery Clock, France, late 19th century, black marble base with applied gilt mounts, 6-in. dia. hinged bezel opening to the clear glass dial with etched roman numerals, visible crank and stirrup escapement, classical gilt female figure holding the suspended pendulum with clear glass bob, eight-day time and hour-strike mechanism with rear plate stamped "GLT BREVETTE, S.G.D.G," ht. 42 in.

Note: With the populace's passion and intrigue for magic and mystery running high in the late 19th century, Andre Romain Guilmet, along with other French clockmakers, responded by designing mystery clocks. The unseen relationship between the mechanism and figure is where the mystery lies. Placing the figure above an internal post connected to the crank and stirrup escapement allowed the figure to oscillate imperceptibly, and that motion would trigger the impulse for the pendulum.
Estimate $7,000-9,000


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Keywords

S.G.D.G, Andre Romain Guilmet, France