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French Bedouin camel-rider, ca. 1900. An 18-inch spelter casting of a camel carrying a Bedouin in polychrome. Although soiled and with some chipping, the color remains on the rider, camel, and ornamentation, with gilding of the saddle, trim, and feet of the clock. Note the rifle the rider is carrying, as well as a pistol in a holster on his left, a water carrier, and a long red pipe. Even the braided reins and hat strap are original. I cannot interpret the writing on the base. There is cobalt blue porcelain cartouche numbering on the decorated dial and a French pendule de Paris 8-day, time-and-strike movement by Japy Freres et Cie. I can’t keep the clock running and it will not strike. The domed back cover glass is frosted; note the gilding on the back side of the camel’s saddle. Surprisingly, there are several other similar examples of Bedouins on camels, suggesting that this was a popular theme around 1900. An identical example sold in England last year for $910 – but the rider had lost his rifle. $500–$1000.