Antique French or France Shelf Novelty Clock

Price Type: auction
Sold Date: 5/8/2000
Pre-Sale Estimate: (subscribers only)
Sold For: (subscribers only)

Catalog Description:

C.1890, French, Rare Industrial Series Steam Plant with Fly-ball Pressure Regulator. This is another unusual clock we've not seen before, quite interesting in operation. The fly ball governor at top which you would expect to be driven by a spring motor, is actually part of a pivoted balance, and the fast/slow adjustment is accomplished by gently moving the balls outward or inward. As in other automatons with the action driven by the clock movement, the novel motion remains visible for the full running duration of the clock; note balls only move inch in each direction (see detail images with top assembly removed and movement out of case). The two train movement with brocot escapement is signed with Guilmet stamp and number 2237 (see Derek Roberts' book: Mystery Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, (1999), page 253 for information on Guilmet's number series). The steam boiler has is flanked by a barometer and thermometer with porcelain dials, and in front of the clock stands a gimbaled compass. The clock is working and this item is in overall excellent condition. Height 18" Reserve $12000

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