Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments Online
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
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
S.G.D.G, Andre Romain Guilmet, FranceJonathan Dowling
Director, Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
508-970-3131
Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments
From early timekeeping devices to precision regulators, the Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments department covers centuries of invention and function with trusted appraisals and world-competitive auctions.