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c.1890 Small French Gorge Cased Minute Repeating Carriage Clock.
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Inv. #:
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DF58
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Maker:
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Tiffany & Co.
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Dial:
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The white porcelain dials are framed by a gilt-bronze mask, have well-lettered Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks and the alarm hours, gilt half-hour marks, steel-cut hands and the time dial is signed 'Tiffany & Co.'.
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Movement:
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The time and strike eight-day movement has the original lever balance platform, is wound and set off the backplate, strikes on double gongs and has the strike lever out the base. The bottom plate is engraved, 'Repetition minutes systeme brevete sgdg' and has the striking indications in both French and English.
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Notes:
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During normal operation the clock will announce the quarters, but not the hours. Upon repeat it will count off the hours, quarters and minutes.
Minute repeating carriage clocks are extremely rare as the mechanisms were extremely difficult to produce.
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Size:
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4.625in. (case only)
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1900 French Gilt-Bronze Carriage Clock with Signed Porcelain Panels.
| Inv. #: |
F198 |
| Case: |
The gilt bronze architectural case has fluted pilasters to the corners, concave moldings with scalloped edges top and bottom, a shaped hinged handle with a reeded center and beveled glasses to the top and back. To the sides are polychrome porcelain panels signed by the artist, 'B. Baily', that depict male and female portraits framed by solid grounds accentuated by engraved gilt bronze frets. |
| Dial: |
The polychrome porcelain paneled dial features landscape scenes within the hour and alarm chapters, red Arabic numbers for the hours and has a solid ground with an elaborately engraved gilt-bronze fret. |
| Movement: |
The eight-day time, strike and alarm movement is wound and set off the backplate, has the indications in French, is stamped '725', strikes and repeats on a gong and retains the original lever platform. |
| Notes: |
It is very rare to find carriage clocks with signed enamel or porcelain panels. |
| Size: |
.25 in. (without handle) |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1810 French Ormolu Chariot Clock w/Porcelain Eyes.
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Inv. #:
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DF10
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Maker:
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Signol Ane. A Paris.
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Dial:
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Porcelain chapter ring dial with ormolu center, black Roman numerals for the hours, steel Breguet-style hands and is signed, 'SIGNOL Ané A PARIS'.
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Movement:
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Eight-day time and strike movement with original silk thread suspension and countwheel striking on bell.
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Notes:
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It is very rare to find examples of French horology incorporating porcelain eyes into the composition with the most noteworthy being the blackamoor clocks.
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Size:
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19.5in.
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1800 French Ormolu and Patinated Travel Clock.
| Inv. #: |
P139 |
| Case: |
The patinated rectilinear case has numerous ormolu mounts that include textured decorative appliques to the front, burnished frames at the front and the glazed sides, a molded top, a hinged handle above and four decorative feet. |
| Dial: |
The finely lettered white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the '15' minute marks, finely cast ormolu hands, a steel alarm hand that is set against a quarter's chapter, a hinged ormolu bezel and is signed ' a Paris'. |
| Movement: |
The flat bottom eight day twin barrel movement has countwheel striking on a bell and a strike/silent lever out the case side. The pendulum is hung on the original silk thread suspension with the fast/slow out the front and could be locked down for transport. The alarm is loaded by pull-cord, is set on the dial and strikes the bell with a double sided hammer. |
| Notes: |
A predecessor to the carriage clock, this rare form exemplifies the exceptional quality found during the Empire period. |
| Size: |
9.25 in. high.
6.125 in. wide. |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1810 English Mahogany Wall Clock.
Inv. #E42
A very nice English Regency drop dial weight-driven wall clock. The case has warm toned veneer with ebony corner strips at the front. The removable top has a glazed wooden bezel with a concave edge and reeded front, is secured by an interior turn-latch and is hinged at the top. The backboard has the label of an early retailer 'S. May, London'.
The painted white dial has Roman numerals for the hours and two wonderfully shaped steel-cut hands. It is mounted to a cast false-plate signed by the dial maker 'Walker & Co'.
The A-shaped eight-day weight-driven movement has knopped posts, a recoil escapement and a second wheel mounted with a brass pinion wheel with a high leaf count to allow the clock to run a full week on the available drop.
Ref: Bovey Tracey is located in Devon in the South East part of England.
Height - 42 in.
SOLD
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c.1925 Swiss Miniature Silver and Enamel Timepiece, Zenith.
Inv. #G99
A very nice miniature enameled silver timepiece. The shaped silver case has lavender guioché enamel on four sides, a striped, hinged back door and has several stamps on the bottom that include 'Argent .925 Sterling Silver' and '15988'.
The finely lettered white porcelain dial has black Arabic numbers for the hours, gold dots for the minutes, steel-cut hands, a plain glazed silver bezel and is signed by the maker, 'Zenith'.
The eight-day time and strike movement is accessed by the hinged back door, has a balance wheel escapement and is wound, set and adjusted off the backplate.
Includes the original key and leather covered case.
Height - 1.75in.
SOLD
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Late 19th Century Chinese Miniature Quarter-Striking Bracket Clock.
| Inv. #: |
G134 |
| Maker: |
Guangduzhai |
| Case: |
The polished hardwood case has finely detailed moldings, a pediment surmounted by a brass finial above, glazed doors front and back, split windows to the sides and stands on decorative feet below. |
| Dial: |
The finely lettered white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic fifteen-minute marks, decorative steel-cut hands, a sweep second hand and an elaborately engraved dial plate that features dragons and scrolling foliage on a chased ground. |
| Movement: |
The rectangular eight-day movement is wound, set and regulated off the backplate, has a Chinese duplex escapement and strikes the quarters on two bells mounted above. |
| Notes: |
The front plate is engraved with Chinese characters that translate to: 'Made by guangduzhai in Yangzhou city'. |
| Size: |
9.75 in. |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1870 Massive Chinese Incense Timepiece with Original Travel Case.
| Inv. #: |
G137 |
| Description: |
The multi-tiered paktong case, a combination of zinc, copper and nickel, is in the form of a J’ui scepter. The removable lid has a fretted top with ancient Chinese characters that presumably tell a story from ancient texts. Inside sits the gilt grate and the flat dampening layer. The whole is supported on a shaped hardwood stand and fitted in the original fabric lined ebony carrying case. The lift-out front door has several engraved Chinese characters that include the symbol for longevity. |
| Notes: |
Incense timepieces were used in China and Japan to time traditional events. The composition and length of the incense path would determine the duration of the burn and the aroma. The appropriate combination would be chosen for a particular ceremony.
This piece is not only noteworthy for the size, but for the presence of such a wonderful travel case. |
| Size: |
22in. (length of stand) |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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An Early Japanese Double Foliate Bracket Clock in Mulberry Wood Case.
| Inv. #: |
G139 |
| Maker: |
Unsigned |
| Dial: |
The finely engraved rotating dial has a sunken turned center, a decorative steel hand, an outside chapter with the signs of the zodiac, an inside chapter with the temporal hours, a steel pin with numerous holes for the alarm and two apertures for the sexagenarian calendar. |
| Case: |
The mulberry wood case has glazed lift-out front and back doors, silvered and engraved frets to three sides and a silvered carrying handle. |
| Movement: |
The clock case is elaborately engraved with landscape scenes that include running water, chrysanthemums and rockwork. While the front and top are stationary, the sides and back are joined by decorative hinges and are locked shut by swing latches captured on the front plate.
The early transitional double fusee movement is predominately steel with the exception of the going barrels, corner columns, the strike activation arm and the fusees. All three movement plates have decorative cut-outs and, along with the rest of the steel parts, still retain most of the original reddish lacquer. The time train is wound out the front while the strike and alarm are wound out the back. It strikes the hours, 9-4, and at the half-hours, 2 or 1, by a torsioned steel hammer on a bell mounted above. The decorative brass foliots are suspended by silk-threads and are adjusted for fast/slow by moving the small brass weights along the rack of finely cut teeth. The countwheel activates the foliot control arm which alternates the foliots for night and day thus providing the temporal hours associated with early Japanese timepieces.
The whole stands on the original wooden plinth with a drawer to hold the key.
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| Notes: |
This piece is a great example of the transitional timepieces where materials, aesthetics and the technologies were evolving.
There are several features on this piece that indicate this change. They include the use of brass barrels and fusees, a rotating solid dial instead of either the rotating dial with moveable plaques or the solid stationary dial with a rotating center and the engraved landscapes rather than the later common scrolling chrysanthemums.
For a double foliot bracket clock with a similar exterior case, handle and plinth see: 'Japanese Clocks' by Mody, plate 43. The description also notes that it has landscape scenes to the sides of the clock case.
For a clock with similar engraving see: 'Japanese Clocks', Mody, plate 40. |
| Size: |
7.5 in. (clock on plinth)
8.25 in. (excluding handle)
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1895 French Gilt-Bronze and Patinated Crystal Regulator Clock with Original Matching Side Pieces.
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Inv. #:
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F170
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Case:
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The Empire style case has fluted columns with ionic capitals to the corners, numerous mythical appliqués, is surmounted by an eagle and has beveled glasses to four sides. The four light candelabra have fluted columns with matching decorative features.
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Dial:
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The white porcelain chapter ring has Roman numerals for the hours, steel Breguet-style hands and an engine turned gilt-bronze center.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time and strike movement has a Brocot escapement, a pendulum with a decorative lenticular bob and steel rod and strikes on a gong.
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Size:
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20in (clock)
22.5in. (candelabra)
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1885 French Giant Gilt and Silvered Bronze Quarter Striking Carriage Clock.
| Inv. #: |
F201 |
| Maker: |
Drocourt, 17,147. |
| Case: |
The massive silvered and gilt-bronze case has exaggerated rounded corners top and bottom, reeded columns, four large finials, a shaped hinged handle with a reeded center and heavy beveled glasses. |
| Dial: |
The large gilt dial has Roman numerals for the hours, blued steel-cut spade hands, a mat silvered mask, a gilt bezel with painted scrolling foliage and has the Drocourt trademark stamped on the dial plate. |
| Movement: |
The massive eight-day time and quarter striking movement has heavy plates, nicely cut wheel work, Geneva Stops to both the time and strike barrels, a large lever platform mounted above, a push button repeat, is stamped and numbered by the maker, 'Drocourt', '17,147', is wound and set off the backplate, has a two position lever out the bottom and strikes on two large coiled gongs. |
| Notes: |
Still retains the original carrying case and numbered two sided key.
For a more detailed description of Drocourt see Carriage Clocks by Charles Alix, pg.438. |
| Size: |
8in. High. (to handle hinge)
6in. Wide.
5in. Deep. |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1885 French Gilt-Bronze Carriage Clock with Limoge Panels.
| Inv. #: |
F210 |
| Case: |
The gilt-bronze case has an elaborately molded base, fluted Corinthian columns to the corners, a ridged, hinged handle and superb polychrome limoge panels to three sides that depict medieval huntsmen with their hounds set within landscapes with applied gilt highlights. |
| Dial: |
The dial, set behind a beveled glass, has elaborate floral scrolling and a small boy blowing a horn before a castle on a hilltop. The hour dial has gilt Roman numerals for the hours and decorative gilt hands. The subsidiary alarm dial has a gilt indicator hand and shows one through twelve in Arabic hour markers. |
| Movement: |
The eight-day time, strike and alarm movement has the hour repeat button above, is wound and set off the backplate, has all the engraved indications in English, is numbered, '4670' and still retains the original lever platform. |
| Notes: |
For additional examples of Limoge carriage clocks see: 'Carriage Clocks' by Derek Roberts, 186. The panels on this example, with the use of foil and applied gilt highlights, are superb examples of the extraordinary quality produced by the artisans of the Limoge factories. |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1900 Small French Carriage Clock with Porcelain Panels.
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Inv. #:
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F185
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Maker:
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Drocourt, 26112.
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Case:
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The gilt-bronze cannelee-style case is elaborately engraved with scrolling foliage and decorative geometric shapes on chased grounds. It has superb polychrome porcelain panels to the sides that depict courting scenes, beveled glasses and a hinged handle above.
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Dial:
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To the front is a well-executed porcelain panel that depicts a country landscape and serves as the dial with black Roman numerals for the hours, an alarm dial with Arabic numbers below and steel spade hands.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time, strike and alarm movement strikes on a gong, has a repeat button above, is wound and set off the backplate, still retains the original lever platform, has the indications engraved in French and is stamped and numbered by the maker, 'Drocourt, '26112'.
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Notes:
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For a clock with similarly themed panels see: Carriage and Other Travelling Clocks by Derek Roberts, pg.168.
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Size:
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4.75in. (w/out handle)
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1810 Exceptional French Ormolu and Black Marble Mantle Clock.
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Inv. #:
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DF27
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Maker:
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Vaillant à Paris.
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Description:
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A superb French empire ormolu and black marble mantle clock by Vaillant à Paris. The extremely well cast and finished ormolu case depicts Venus seated in a stylized chariot entertaining a small boy who is perched on the front and reaching for the toy. The chariot has fluted sides and acanthus leaves and is adorned with several decorative mounts that include a trumpeting mermaid. It stands on two paw feet at the rear, houses the clock and is pulled by a marvelous swan. The whole sits upon a black marble base with Neptune masks to the sides and a freeze of his kingdom across the front.
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Dial:
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The finely lettered porcelain dial has a finely cast bezel, Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic 15-minute marks, is signed by the clockmaker, 'Vaillant à Paris', and has Lepine style ormolu hands.
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Movement:
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The two-train flat-bottom eight-day movement strikes on a bell and still retains its original silk-thread suspension that adjusts for fast/slow out the dial.
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Notes:
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Venus was a popular theme during the Empire period and the well-cast swan, child, trumpeting mermaid and the many references to Neptune suggest this to be a tribute to both the Goddess and motherhood.
As listed in Tardy's:
"Vaillant à Paris. Rue de la Tixeranderie, 1800. Rue de la Verrerie, 1812-1817. Pendulier. Sur une Pendule decimale et duodecimale: Vallaint à Paris."
For a similar theme see: 'French Bronze clocks', pg.180.
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Size:
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16in.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1770 French Ormolu and Ebony Mantle clock.
| Inv. #: |
P144 |
| Maker: |
Imbert L'Aine – Clockmaker
Elie Barbezat – Enameller
Leonard Mary – Bronzer |
| Case: |
Superb quality early Louis XVI ormolu case titled 'Autel a Venus'. It depicts Venus's altar, strewn with her symbols, flanked on one side by the goddess and the other by cupid supported by scrolling cloud-work. The whole is supported by an ebony veneered ormolu mounted base. |
| Dial: |
The finely lettered white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic five-minute marks, great ormolu hands and is signed 'Imbert, A Paris'. |
| Movement: |
The superb eight-day two train movement has a flat bottom, asymmetrical winding arbors, a silk thread suspension, finely cut wheelwork, countwheel striking on a bell, a trip lever along the edge of the dial to resynchronize the movement without turning the clock around and is signed by the maker, 'Imbert L'Aine, A Paris'. |
| Notes: |
This is a wonderful example of early Louis XVI horology.
To see a more in depth description of this clock see: http://www.richardreddingantiques.com/horology/louis-xvi- clock-by-imbert |
| Size: |
16in. (high) |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1873 French Gilt and Silvered Bronze Mystery Desk Inkwell Compendium.
| Inv. #: |
F211 |
| Maker: |
E. Langerock, Paris. |
| Case: |
The gilt-bronze case has a wide cavetto shaped molded edge, stands on four stylized bun feet and has a thick engraved silvered plaque screwed to the front, 'PA-VM, 13 Janvier 1875'. Above are two spots for the removable glass and silvered inkwells, a shaped pen stand, several finials and the clockwork dials set within a glazed steepled frame. |
| Dial: |
The time dial, set on one side of the shaped glass dial, has gilt Roman numerals for the hours and steel-cut spade hands. Below is an alcohol thermometer tube set against a gilt scale, in French, that shows the temperature in Fahrenheit and Centigrade. Set to the other side is a gilt Barometer dial, in French, with a steel indicator hand. Below is a mercury thermometer tube set against a Centigrade scale. Set between the dials are silvered engraved subsidiary chapter ring dials for the date and day and a makers plaque that reads, 'E. Langerock a Paris, Bd. De Sabastopol 1873, No. 2210'. |
| Movement: |
The time dial, set on one side of the shaped glass dial, has gilt Roman numerals for the hours and steel-cut spade hands. Below is an alcohol thermometer tube set against a gilt scale, in French, that shows the temperature in Fahrenheit and Centigrade. Set to the other side is a gilt Barometer dial, in French, with a steel indicator hand. Below is a mercury thermometer tube set against a Centigrade scale. Set between the dials are silvered engraved subsidiary chapter ring dials for the date and day and a makers plaque that reads, 'E. Langerock a Paris, Bd. De Sabastopol 1873, No. 2210'. |
| Notes: |
This unique piece is pictured in 'Mystery, Novelety and Fantasy Clocks', pg. 232.
Langerock was a multi-generational retailer located on Boulevard De Sebastopol in Paris. |
| Size: |
9.75 in. (high)
11.5 in. (wide)
6.75 in. (deep) |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1895 Rare French Globe Clock.
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Inv. #:
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F188
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Retailer:
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Smith and Sons, 532
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Case:
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The brass circular base and turned cast column support the globe, dial and the silvered brass ball that represents the sun. The detailed six inch globe is labeled in English, has longitude and latitude lines and has 'Patent 19460, The Empire Clock, cable' on an oval label.
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Dial:
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A silvered fretted marker is secured at the top by a knurled shaped finial and can be adjusted to indicate the time at a chosen meridian against an engraved, silvered equatorial dial with Roman numerals for the hours.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time only movement is housed in the base, has a lever escapement and is wound, set and adjusted out the bottom.
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Notes:
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Stamped into the bottom plate are 'Made in France', and 532'. The bottom also carries the later inscriptions 'Bon Bon' and 'Bill Smallback'.
Early examples were made in France for the English market and retailed by established firms like Smith and Sons. Apparently Smith and Sons became more prominent as the word 'cable' in the earlier labels was replaced with 'Smith and Sons' at some point in the production.
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Size:
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12in.
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1780 Large French Ormolu and Marble Figural Mantle Clock.
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Inv. #:
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DF5
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Dial Maker:
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Coteau
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Dial:
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The large well lettered white porcelain dial has black Arabic numbers for the fifteen-minute marks, decorative gilt markers for the five-minute marks, red Arabic numbers and a steel indicator hand for the 31-day calendar, 'à Paris' in blue, is signed below by the enameller, 'coteau' and has well-detailed ormolu hands.
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Movement:
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The substantial eight-day time and strike movement has an early Brocot escapement and suspension with the fast/slow out the dial and countwheel striking on a bell.
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Notes:
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This model is a tribute to Bacchus, god of wine. It depicts Bacchus in the form of Cupid engaging a Bacchante with a wine glass in her hand and a tambourine at her feet. The freeze below depicts a Bacchalian procession and is flanked by decorative Satyr masks.
Coteau was the preeminent dial and case enameller of the period and is listed 1740-1812.
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Size:
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20.25in.
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1810 French Patinated and Ormolu Blackamoor Clock.
| Inv. #:
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P138
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Maker:
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Patenotte a Angers.
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Case:
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The well-cast ormolu and patinated 'au bon savage' clock depicts a male figure carrying the clock housed in a bail of hay. The patinated figure is captured mid-stride and has ormolu pants, hat, water jug and cane and features glass eyes. The whole is supported by an oval base with several well cast mounts including a rosette, birds of paradise and a monkey swinging on a vine.
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Dial:
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The finely lettered white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the 15-minute marks, cast ormolu hands and is signed by the maker, 'Patenotte a Angers'.
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Movement:
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The time and strike eight-day movement strikes on a bell and has a silk-thread suspension with the fast/slow off the backplate.
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Notes:
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This model, 'Portefaix' or 'The Porter', was designed and registered by Reiche in 1808.
For a similar clock see 'French Bronze Clocks', pg. 149.
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Size:
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14.5in.
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1810 Large French Ormolu and Antico Verde Marble Figural Mantle Clock.
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Inv. #:
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P129
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Maker:
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Lamiral à Paris
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Case:
|
A magnificent ormolu case that depicts a winged cupid approaching a sleeping female holding a rose. The bed, elaborately draped and set amongst scrolling clouds, is supported by a stepped base that is adorned with numerous appliqués including flaming torchieres, dancing cupids and scrolling foliage framing a plaque that reads, 'Le Rapt De La Rose'. The whole is supported by a green variegated marble base with ormolu bun feet.
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Dial:
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The well-lettered white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, a 31-day calendar, Arabic fifteen-minute marks, a steel pointer hand, cast ormolu hands and is signed by the maker, 'Lamiral à Paris'.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time and strike movement has countwheel striking on a bell and an updated suspension and escapement.
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Notes:
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Stamped into the base in the back corner is 'No. 731'. Whether this is an inventory or maker's mark is still unknown, but might be able to provide a hint to the provenance.
Lamiral is listed as working in Paris at several addresses from 1806-1820.
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Size:
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24in.
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1900 German Mahogany and Ebony Tallcase, LFK.
Inv. #T25
A nice early 20th German tallcase clock by the LFK Company. The high quality Mahogany veneered case has a stepped convex base with a grid of four recessed panels each with an ebony diamond center at the front. The chamfered door has three thick beveled glasses and the square top has a glazed molded door with ebony beading, pullout frets and an ebonized fluted top.
The square engraved silvered dial has Arabic numbers for the hours and nicely shaped steel spade hands.
The two train movement has a dead-beat escapement with adjustable pallets, is wound by pull-up chains, has maintaining power and strikes on a gong that is mounted to the back of the case. To insure proper resonance, there is an adjustment at the side that adjusts the hammers relationship to the gong.
Height - 79in.
Retail Price: SOLD.
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c.1890 French Gilt Bronze Five Minute Repeating Carriage Clock.
| Inv. #: |
F206 |
| Case: |
The architectural gilt-bronze case has chamfered corners with shaped columns, a stepped molded base, a chateauesque top with a solid ballistrade, corner blocks and finials, beveled glasses to the sides and top and a shaped hinged handle with a reeded center. |
| Dial: |
The cobalt blue enamel chapter ring dial has gilt Arabic numbers for the hours, gilt steel cut hands and is set behind a gilt-bronze mask. |
| Movement: |
The eight day time, strike and two button five minute repeat movement is wound and set off the backplate, retains the original silvered lever balance platform, strikes on a gong and is stamped '2192'. The five-minute repeat mechanism is planted on the backplate and is activated by a push button horizontally mounted just above the back door. |
| Notes: |
There are generally two types of five minute repeating mechanisms. The first is much like other complicated repeating mechanisms where there are two gongs and when the button is pressed it counts off the hours on one gong and then bing-bangs for each five minute interval. This piece falls into the second category where there is one gong and two independent buttons. Pressing the front button repeats the hours and the back the five minute intervals.
For additional information on five minute repeaters see: 'Carriage Clocks' by Charles Allix, pg. 197. |
| Size: |
6.875 in to top of finial. |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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|
c.1885 French Gilt and Silvered Bronze Carriage Clock with Enameled Panels.
| Inv. #: |
F204 |
| Maker: |
Margaine, 6200. |
| Case: |
The architectural gilt and silvered bronze case has smooth Corinthian columns to the corners, fluted friezes, shaped moldings top and bottom, a shaped hinged handle with reeded center, beveled glasses and detailed gilt champlevee panels. The top is engraved 'Mary L Kidder, Christmas, 1885' while the underside is stamped with the serial number of the clock, '6200'. |
| Dial: |
The champlevee dial has white enamel chapter rings for the hours and alarm with Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the alarm set, steel-cut Breguet-style hands and a beveled glass. |
| Movement: |
The eight-day time, strike and alarm movement is wound and set off the backplate, has all the indications in English, has a repeat push button out the top, carries the Margaine trademark along with the serial number, '6200' and still retains the original lever escapement which is stamped on the underside '200'. |
| Notes: |
Margaine was a famous carriage clock maker who produced good quality pieces from 1870-1914 and received numerous awards including a gold medal in 1900. |
| Size: |
6 1/8 in. (without handle) |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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|
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c.1910 Patinated, Silvered and Gilt-Bronze Mantle Clock, E.F. Caldwell.
Inv. #G90
A rare early 20th century elaborately detailed silvered, patinated and gilt-bronze mantle clock by the prestigious firm of E.F. Caldwell & Co., New York. The case has a curvilinear silvered frame in the center mounted with gilt-bronze leafy scrollwork and two well-cast Satyr masks centered front and back. Below is the rectangular base with several decorative gilt-bronze moldings. At the back of the large circular top is the two-tone cast drum shaped cover with the decorative elements highlighted in gold.
The dial has a gilt-bronze decorative fretwork that embellishes the center, typical Caldwell type engraved hands and Roman numerals with engraved fretted designs for the half-hour marks cast into the dialplate and echoed on the back.
The 30-day time only double-wind Seth Thomas movement has a balance wheel escapement and is wound and adjusted for fast slow out the front.
Ref: Edward F. Caldwell and Victor F. von Lossberg established the firm of E.F. Caldwell & Co. in 1901 in lower New York City. They produced a large array of high-end decorative items including lamps and clocks for the most prominent design and architecture firms in the country.
For further information on the company see 'Edward F. Caldwell & Company', Magazine Antiques, Feb. 1998.
All the Caldwell clocks we have seen have used Chelsea, Seth Thomas, Howard or Omega movements with Chelsea and Omega being the most abundant and Seth Thomas and Howard being considerably rarer.
Height - 16.5in.
Retail Price: SOLD.
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c.1860 Pair of Swiss Gilt and Polished Bronze, Steel and Ebonized Wood Escapement Models.
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Inv. #:
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G117
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Movements:
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The circular two-day spring driven movements sit within circular ebonized cases with glass domes and are wound out the bottom. On display above are the wonderfully finished escapements, anchor and detent, with flat helical hairsprings, solid three spoke balance wheels and delicate escape wheels with screwed collets.
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Notes:
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Mounted to the side of the cases are silvered and engraved plaques.
'Échappement De Démonstration A Ancre Travail entierement fait à la main'.
Translated: 'Anchor demonstration escapement made entirely by hand.'
'Échappement De Démonstration A Détente Travail entierement fait à la main'.
Translated: 'Anchor demonstration escapement made entirely by hand.'
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Size:
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8in diameter
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1925 Swiss Marble, Silvered Bronze and Sterling Silver Mystery Turtle Clock.
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Inv. #:
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G128
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Maker:
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E. Gubelin, Lucerne. No. 5668.
Henin & Cie. M17439
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Case:
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The wonderful variegated and solid red marble octagonal case has molded edges and silvered-bronze mounts.
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Dial:
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The sterling silver tray has engraved Roman numerals for the hours, is stamped by the maker, Henin and Cie, has the serial number 'M17439' along the outside edge and also carries the Minerva stamp indicating the tray is at least .925 silver.
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Movement:
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The eight-day horizontally mounted time only movement retains the original vertically mounted balance platform, is wound out the top, is set out the side, carries a circular magnet that controls the turtle and is stamped by the maker, 'E. Gubelin, Lucerne, 5668, Thirteen Jewels, 1 Adjustment'.
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Notes:
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When running the tray is filled with water and the turtle floats as it points to the time.
This is one of the few we've seen with solid silver trays as the vast majority have either been pewter or silvered bronze.
Eduard Gubelin became director of the firm in 1925 and subsequently they began making extremely high quality novelty timepieces.
Henin and Cie was incorporated in 1896.
For other examples with silver trays see:
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Sotheby's, Masterpieces from the Time Museum Sale, Oct. 13, 2004, Lot 613.
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Antiquorum, Imp. Modern and Vintage Timepieces, October 9, 2010, Lot. 164.
Movement will be serviced prior to shipping.
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Size:
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10.5in. (overall case diameter)
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1895 French Gilt-Bronze Cannelee Cased Carriage Clock with Champlevee Panels.
Inv. #F148
A late-nineteenth century gilt-bronze carriage clock with champlevee panels. The stylized cannelee case has a molded bottom, a slightly exaggerated molded top, a bold shaped hinged handle above and four decorative polychrome champlevee panels to the sides and top.
The dial has a gilt-bronze chapter with a raised decorative edge, Roman numerals for the hours, gilt half-hour marks on a black ground and steel spade hands. The champlevee work that frames the dial has a blue ground while the interior has a purple ground.
The eight-day time and strike movement has a horizontally mounted balance wheel platform above, strikes and repeats on a gong, is wound and set off the backplate, has the indications engraved in English and has a 'B' within a circle stamped beside the lower left pillar.
Ref: For a listing of the maker see Charles Allix's 'Carriage Clocks' where he notes the mark and suggests it might be Brunelot.
Height – 5.375 in. (case only)
Retail Price: SOLD.
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c.1890 Massive French Black Marble and Silvered and Gilt-Bronze Conical Clock, Farcot à Paris.
Inv. #F151
A very rare massive French black marble and silvered and gilt-bronze conical clock by Farcot. The large shaped and stepped black Belgian marble case is decorated with engraved, gilt decorative designs and has several gilt-bronze mounts that include lions to the sides, six decorative feet, a floral appliqué and a cast decorative bezel with a thick beveled glass. Surmounting the marble base is a classically inspired partially clad silvered-bronze female figure with gilt highlights.
The gilt and engraved polished marble dial has Roman numerals for the hours, is signed by the retailer, 'Schonberger, Wien', has gilt hands, a decorative center and still retains the ink stamp of the manufacture on the reverse.
The eight-day time and strike movement is stamped with the maker's marks including 'Farcot BTE SGCG A Paris' and '37707', strikes on a bell and incorporates Farcot's patented conical escapement. The gilt-bronze pendulum rod with screwed micro-adjustments is suspended by a silk-thread from above, has a blue two-piece star-studded bob that incorporates the fast/slow and is driven below by a silvered hand against an engraved silvered scale.
Ref: E. Farcot was an ingenious maker of mystery and novelty clocks. He worked from the Rue des Trois Bornes, Paris for thirty years beginning in 1860. He was granted patents for his conical design in 1865 and 1872 and exhibited his wares at the International Exhibitions; London (1862), Paris (1861, 1867 and 1878) and Philadelphia (1876).
Height - 42.5in.
Retail Price: SOLD.
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c.1900 French Enameled Silver Rhombus Shaped Compendium.
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Inv. #:
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DF59
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Maker:
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Tiffany & Co., New York.
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Dial:
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The white porcelain time dial has Arabic numbers for the hours, gilt spade hands and is signed 'TIFFANY & CO, NEW YORK'.
The two silvered engraved thermometer scales are in English, are for Fahrenheit and Centigrade, have beveled glasses and mercurial tubes.
The silver engraved barometric scale is from 27-31, has the normal weather indications, two indicator hands and a beveled glass.
Sunken into the top is the compass with a silver engraved scale and beveled glass.
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Movement:
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A very nice quality Swiss eight-day time only movement with Lever escapement that is wound out the dial and regulated from behind.
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Notes:
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This is a very rare and unusual piece sold by a noted retailer and still preserved in the original shaped carrying case.
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Size:
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2.75in.
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1865 Massive French Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock.
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Inv. #:
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F157
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Maker:
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F. Senn, Paris.
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Dial:
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The large circular porcelain dial has Arabic five minute marks, Roman numerals for the hours, two large engraved gilt bronze hands and is signed 'F. Senn, Paris'.
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Movement:
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The large square time and strike eight day movement has an elevated Brocot escapement with the fast slow out the front, is stamped '656 92', bears the Vincenti mark and has a pendulum start out the front.
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Notes:
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This piece was inspired by the designs of the earlier Louis XVI period cartel clocks. It is a substantial example of wonderful quality.
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Size:
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18in. (width)
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1898 French World Time Orrey Clock.
| Inv. #:
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F191
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Maker:
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Charles Requier a Paris.
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Case:
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The mahogany octagonal case has molded edges top and bottom, a silvered plaque, brass feet and a mechanical orrey above.
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Orrey:
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Below the ivory ball that represents the sun are horizontally oriented concentric silvered engraved dials. The solid plate below is engraved with the maker's signature and for whom the piece was made, 'Charles Requier Horologer a Paris Par L'Ambassade D'Angleterre en France'. Above sits a 24-hour dial that rotates against a ring with cities from the 24 time zones. Once set, a quick glance at the city shows the proper time and also what the time is in the other twenty three time zones.
The hour ring also carries a long brass bar that is partially supported by a spoked wheel. To one side sits the silvered engraved date dial with Arabic numbers for the days and a steel cut indicator hand. To the other is the detailed globe that rotates as the clock runs, is signed by the maker, 'Philips' in a cartouche, is in English and shows the geographical world as known around 1895. Orbiting the globe is an ivory moon with a silvered engraved 29.5 day lunar dial.
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Clock Movement:
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The eight-day time only movement is housed in the case, is wound and adjusted for fast slow out the side, has thick plates and a vertically mounted lever platform.
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Notes:
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Charles Requier was a highly respected horologer whose achievements included a prize in 'The Paris Exhibition of 1878', was a juror in the 'Eposition Universelle de 1889', was the president of 'La Federation Horologere' and had several partnerships including one with Delettrez.
The English Ambassador to France in 1898 was Sir Edmund Monson.
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Size:
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17in. high
17in. diameter
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1875 Rare French Gilt-Bronze Perpetual Calendar Clock with Moon Phases, Barometer and Thermometers.
| Inv. #: |
F195 |
| Maker: |
Le Roy & Fils, Paris. Serial # 10,999. |
| Case: |
The large decorative round top gilt-bronze case has decorative columns to the sides, a shaped molded base with rounded corners, beveled glasses to four sides and back and a large finial above. |
| Dial: |
The white porcelain hour's dial has a sunken center, Roman numerals for the hours, steel-cut Breguet-style hands including a center sweep second, an outside escapement and is signed 'Le Roy & Fils, Palais-Royal Gal ie Montpensier 13 & 15, Paris, 211 Regent Street, London'.
The two subsidiary dials in the center show the day, date, month. day of the lunar cycle and the phases of the moon by an enameled disc behind a shaped aperture.
Centered below is a barometer that is flanked by two thermometers.
All are framed by a gilt mask with engraved scrolling foliage on a chased and recessed ground. |
| Movement: |
The large eight-day time and strike movement has square plates, is stamped 'Le Roy & Fils, N. 10999, Paris', is set for time off the backplate, has finely executed wheelwork, a constant force coup-perdu escapement, and a grid-iron pendulum with steel and zinc rods suspended by a steel suspension that is adjusted for fast slow out the dial. The pendulum is also stamped with the serial number '10,999'.
Below is the perpetual calendar mechanism that has rectangular plates with rounded corners and the four year wheel on the back plate. This particular design was particular to LeRoy & Fils clocks. |
| Notes: |
The escapement was developed by Desfontaines in about 1853. It allowed constant force to the train and also allowed the second hand to beat seconds with a half-second pendulum. The pallets are jeweled as is the pivot for the center seconds shaft.
The high quality rise/fall mechanism is a unique design and allows minute adjustments from the dial. Unlike a Brocot suspension where the suspension spring is stationary, in this design the steel spring is raised and lowered against two polished steel posts.
Desfontaines bought the business from Le Roy in 1845 with the understanding he would continue to trade under the firm's name. This continued until 1889 when the business changed the name to Le Roy & Cie when he went into business with another Le Roy.
The firm was at the address 211 Regent Street from 1866-1875.
For very similar examples see:
'The Price Guide to Collectible Clocks' by the Shentons, pg.298.
'European Pendulum Clocks' by Heuer and Maurice, pg.69.
Although most grid-iron pendulums are steel and brass, some makers decided to use zinc and steel because the coefficient of expansion of zinc is both predictable and very responsive to temperature changes. |
| Size: |
22.5 in. |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1900 Rare French Gilt-Bronze Four-Bell Carriage Clock.
| Inv. #: |
F192 |
| Case: |
The gilt-bronze anglaise-riche case has columns to the corners, fluted moldings, a hinged handle above, beveled glasses to five sides and a sound fret on the underside.
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| Dial: |
The white porcelain dial has blued steel-cut spade hands and elaborate light blue and gilt decorations that include a pale blue hours chapter with black roman numerals on white stylized cartouche plaques. Below is the silent/chime sector aperture and both dials are accentuated by a silvered mask. |
| Movement: |
The eight-day three train movement is wound and set off the backplate, retains the original balance platform, has the chime/silent lever out the base. has an under slung chime train with silvered plates and a nest of four bells and strikes the hour on a coiled gong.
During normal operation the clock strikes much like a westmister mantle clock playing the first quarter of the westmister chime at the 15-minute mark and adding another quarter of the tune every 15-minutes. At the hour it plays the full tune on the bells and then also strikes the hour on the gong. Upon repeat it plays the appropriate quarter on the bells and then also strikes the hour. When the chimes are set to silent it still repeats with both bells and gong and it also still strikes the hour, but only on the gong. |
| Notes: |
Westminster carriage clocks are very rare, especially ones that incorporate bells.
For some more information on Westminster carriage clocks including an example with bells see:
'Carriage and Other Travelling Clocks' by Roberts, pg. 227. |
| Size: |
6.25 in. (without handle)
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1873 French Gilt-Bronze, Red Marble and Enameled Annular Globe Clock
| Inv. #: |
F196 |
| Maker: |
Antoine Redier, No.3 |
| Case: |
The vibrant polychrome enameled globe shows the continents, oceans, countries, cities and numerous other geographical locations, in French, is gimbaled in a gilt-bronze frame that stands on a red marble base and rotates once per day. It is monogrammed within a Cartouche by the maker, Redier, and is dated, 1873, between the cartouche and the equatorial band. |
| Dial: |
The stationary steel pointer has an applied sun, originates from the North Pole and indicates the time on a gilt-bronze segmented equatorial band that has individually applied porcelain Arabic numbers arranged in two sequences of 1-12 running from east to west. |
| Movement: |
The time-only eight-day movement has a balance wheel escapement that is stamped with the serial number, '3',and is wound by inserting the special key through the lower frame into the globe and then rotating the globe until wound. |
| Notes: |
The clock is numbered '3', the earliest known serial number, in several places including the gilt-bronze frame, the equatorial ring and the balance platform.
We have owned and examined several examples of Redier's globe clocks and it seems the earlier examples included far more detailing including many more cities and regions. We believe the transition happened somewhere between serial numbers '97' and '220'.
Antoine Redier is listed in several reference works including Tardy's 'Dictionary of Clockmakers'. This is truly a unique and original piece in completely restored condition. |
| Size: |
7.75 in. |
| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1880 Rare American World Time Globe Clock.
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Inv. #:
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G126
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Maker:
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Juvet & Co., Canajoharie, N.Y.
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Stand:
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The heavy decorative lacquered brass stand has a turned center, three ball and claw feet surmounted by gryphons, a compass suspended below and a silvered rotational clamp at the top that supports the segmented meridian ring. The easily positioned silvered ring is engraved with the latitudes and supports the globe, the equatorial ring dial in the center and the time dial above.
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Globe:
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The 12in. terrestrial globe is fabricated from thick wood laminate covered in cloth and then in paper so is very strong and is relatively unaffected by the climate. The map, a special edition of Johnson's Edinburgh maps, is corrected to date and shows in detail the geographical formations, countries, rivers etc. as known in the late 19th century. It also has red lines to show the average temperatures in summer, blue lines to show the average temperatures in winter, an analemma with the equation of time and a circular label with 'Time Globe, Manufactured by Juvet & Co., Canajoharie, NY, USA' in the center and numerous patents around the outside edge.
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Dials:
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The brass edged steel equatorial ring has paper dials to both sides. Each twenty-four hour dial is composed of two sets of Arabic numbers from one through twelve, Arabic 15-minute marks and time of day and directional indications.
The glass time dial above has a beveled edge, etched and gilded Roman numerals for the hours and decorative brass hands.
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Movement:
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The large circular time-only spring driven movement is housed in the globe, has layered plates, screwed posts, nicely spoked wheelwork and rotates the globe 360 degrees each day. It is wound by turning the tail of the arrow and is adjusted for fast slow by the thumb screw just above. Mounted between the plates is the the original lever escapement that allows it to run in any orientation, has jeweled and caped pivots for the escape wheel, a steel three arm balance wheel with timing screws and a flat helical balance spring. Mounted to a screwed plate off the front end are four concentric shafts. Two are for the minute and hour hands, one has a screwed, spring collet that causes the globe to rotate and the last secures the globe and carries the arrow head shaped pointer. As stated in both contemporary and modern resources the movements were originally designed to run 4 days. This particular model runs for about 3 days with the loss probably attributable to a decrease in the original springs overall power.
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Notes:
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Louis P Juvet, 1838-1930, was a Swiss born watchmaker that emigrated to Glens Falls, New York in 1864. He met James Arkel at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia and soon formed a partnership with Arkel and AG Richmond, president of the Canajoharie National Bank in 1879. The factory was located next to the Arkel & Smith bag factory and was relatively successful until a fire destroyed it in October of 1886. Between them they were granted about a dozen patents associated with the various aspects of the globe clocks.
The clocks were highly regarded worldwide, both aesthetically and scientifically. They came in several sizes with differing bases, had celestial and terrestrial globes and because of their accuracy and durability were favorites of libraries, schools and government facilities.
For additional information see:
- 'NAWCC Bulletin', April, 1979, page 127.
- 'NAWCC Bulletin', April, 1980, pg. 180.
- 'Scientific American', Jan. 10. 1880, pg.22.
- 'Knight's New Mechanical Dictionary', 1884, pg.894.
For examples at auction see: 'The Meraux Collection', Sotheby's, 1993, Lots 224, 225.
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Size:
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12in. (globe)
48.5in. (height)
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1895 French Gorge Cased Grand-Sonnerie Carriage Clock, ETC.
Inv. #F138
An exceptionally well-made late nineteenth century gorge cased grand-sonnerie carriage clock retailed by Caldwell & Co. The gilt-bronze gorge-style case has well-defined moldings, pinched corners, a hinged handle and beveled glasses to all sides.
The well-lettered white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, black Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks and the alarm hours, steel Breguet-style hands and is signed by the retailer, 'J.E. Caldwell & Co., France'.
The eight-day grand-sonnerie movement has the repeat out the top, the control lever for grand/petit/silence out the base and a very nice balance platform above with a damascened plate, a bimetallic balance wheel, a steel regulator plate and a flat hairspring with a Breguet overcoil. The back plate is stamped and numbered by the maker, 'ETC', '30', has all the indications in English, has 'Thirteen 13 Jewels' engraved along the bottom edge of the back plate, has 'Laizon & Deron' engraved mid-way up as it is also engraved on the case right behind the movement and has the retailer engraved across the back, 'JE Caldwell & Co.'.
Ref: ETC is listed in Allix's book and Laizon and Deron also retailed the example from which he found the stamp.
Height - 5.25in.
Retail Price: SOLD
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c.1900 Extremely Rare French Patinated Bronze Two Handed Glass Dial Mystery Clock.
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Inv. #:
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F187
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Maker:
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Sculptor - Victorin Subatier
Clockmaker - Unknown
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Case:
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The patinated bronze case depicts a beautiful female figure standing amongst billowing clouds and elaborately clad in flowing drapery. Below her raised arm sits the star-shaped clock dial while supporting the whole is a base with 'Stella Mysteriosa' cast into the front and stars to each side. The bronze is signed on the side of the clouds, 'Vict. Subatier.'.
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Dial:
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The beveled, star-shaped glass dial has engraved gilt Arabic numbers for the hours, two steel-cut counter-weighted hands and an elaborately constructed silvered star shaped bezel.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time only movement is housed in the base, has a lever escapement, is wound and set out the side, regulated from below and controls the hands via a linkage that runs up the interior of the statue.
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Notes:
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Robert-Houdin, the acknowleged inventor and creator of the glass dial mystery clocks, began supplying shops with his pieces around 1838. In the beginning his pieces only had a single hand, but as time progressed the pieces became more complicated using both minute and hour hands. This innovation required minute motion-work, but also greatly added to the mystery. Although he died in 1871 his remarkable designs were so captivating that several makers continued to produce similar pieces into the 20th century.
With all the two handed mystery clocks the power must travel through a linkage system to a central glass above and finally to the hands via minute motion work. Multiple glasses are used so while the front glass, the dial, remains properly oriented a central piece slowly rotates to provide the necessary power needed to drive the hands. This illusion becomes even more interesting when the glass is square shaped and is truly mystifying when the glass is shaped as a star.
For a very good description of Robert-Houdin and all his clocks see Derek Roberts, 'Mystery, Novelty, and Fantasy Clocks', pg.219.
For a good description of the mechanism see pg.230.
Victorin Subatier is listed as working around 1900.
The bronze has a door originally cast into the back, 'Stella Mysteriosa' and the stars on the base, is perfectly proportioned with the star dial assembly and has the proper movement brackets cast into the interior of the base. This all seems to indicate that there was a strong working relationship between the artist and clockmaker.
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Size:
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27in.
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1810 French Ormolu and Marble Mantle Clock Depicting Juno.
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Inv. #:
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P118
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Maker:
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Mesnil a Paris
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Dial:
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The white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the fifteen-minute marks, cast ormolu hands and is signed, 'Mesnil a Paris'.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time and strike movement has a silk-thread suspension that is adjusted out the front for fast/slow and has countwheel striking on a bell.
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Notes:
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The clock celebrates Juno, wife of Jupiter. The peacock symbolizes her and the eagle clutching the lightning bolts symbolizes him.
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1845 Large English Time and Strike Mahogany Dial Clock.
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Inv. #:
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E64
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Maker:
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James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London, 3510.
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Case:
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The exceptionally large case, with wonderfully figured matching veneer, has a circular top, an elongated trunk with shaped 'ears', a rounded sloping bottom with a door, latched doors to the sides and four carved mahogany pegs that secure the two parts of the case together.
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Dial:
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The circular white painted metal dial has bold black Roman numerals for the hours, large patinated brass hands, a brass bezel that is hinged above and carries a thick beveled glass and is signed 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London, 3510'.
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Movement:
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The large eight-day time and strike double fusee movement has thick plates with five turned pillars, an anchor escapement, rack and snail striking on a bell, counter weights for both the minute and hour hands, a massive brass pendulum with a lenticular bob, is fastened by three large knurled screws to a thick mahogany seatboard, is stamped '968' on the front plate and is signed 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London, 3510' on the backplate.
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Notes:
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James McCabe apprenticed to Reid and Auld and was admitted to the Clockmakers Company in 1822. The shape of the case and decorative ears, type of bezel and the serial number date the clock to about 1845.
For additional information on Dial clocks see: 'English Dial Clocks' by Ronald Rose.
For Additional information on the McCabes see: Derek Roberts, 'Carriage and Other Travelling Clocks', pg.289.
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Size:
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35in. high
23in. wide
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| Retail Price: |
SOLD |
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c.1900 Austrian Miniature Gilt-Bronze Carriage Clock, J. Nicolaus, Wien, No.17.
Inv. #G104
A very rare miniature gilt-bronze Austrian carriage clock signed J. Nicolaus. The gilt-bronze case has a molded top and bottom with rounded corners and uprights, a geometric hinged handle with canted edges and center and beveled glasses to four sides.
The circular well-lettered white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, is signed by the maker, 'J. Nicolaus', has two finely cut steel hands and is framed by a silvered mask.
The eight-day time-only movement has silvered plates, a horizontally positioned balance platform above with a lever escapement and screwed bi-metallic balance wheel, is wound and set out the back and is signed and numbered by the maker, 'J.Nicolaus, Wien, No.17'.
The clock still retains its original case and key.
Ref: This is one of the smallest carriage clocks we've ever had the privilege to offer.
Height - 2 1/16in.(case only)
Retail Price: SOLD.
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c.1810 Japanese Striking Lantern Clock on Hardwood Stand.
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Inv. #:
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DF77
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Maker:
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Unsigned
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Case:
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The Persimmon wood stand has a stepped base raised on shaped feet, columns to the corners and a removable hood with hinged sides and front.
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Dial:
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The rotating dial has a sunken center, an elaborately fretted steel-cut hand, adjustable engraved, silvered numbers with the traditional characters representing two sets of 9-4 and two apertures for the sexagenarian calendar.
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Movement:
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The partial day time and strike weight driven movement has a textured front plate, steel wheelwork and plates, a single foliot with adjustable timing weights, torsion striking on a large bell and two brass covered weights.
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Notes:
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For similar examples see: 'Japanese Clocks' by Mody.
This piece originally had an alarm mechanism.
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Size:
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44 in.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1840 Japanese Miniature Traveling Timepiece in Persimmon Wood Case.
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Inv. #:
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G131
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Maker:
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Unsigned
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Case:
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The shaped Persimmon wood case has finely cut molded edges, a brass handle above, a drawer for the key, glazed sides and slide out front and back doors.
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Dial:
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The rotating dial has a turned sunken center, an elaborately fretted steel-cut hand and adjustable engraved, silvered numbers with the traditional characters representing two sets of 9-4. Above is a small calendar aperture with a silvered and engraved disc.
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Movement:
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The one day movement has finely turned pillars, circular plates engraved with chrysanthemums, a fusee gut and a brass balance platform above with a brass balance wheel and steel spring.
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Notes:
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For similar examples see: 'Japanese Clocks' by Mody, plates 67, 68 and 69.
There is an old Japanese paper label on one side.
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Size:
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4in. (w/out handle)
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1915 Rare Swiss Lever Escapement Model.
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Inv. #:
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G129
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Maker:
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Omega, 7.
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Movement:
|
The high quality straight lever escapement model has shaped brass plates, shaped silvered-brass screwed posts, brass wheel-work on heavy steel shafts, a brass anchor with hardened steel pallets, a club-tooth escape-wheel and two banking posts. The impulse roller has a polished steel impulse pin that is regulated by a screwed aluminum balance wheel with a flat steel hairspring. The going barrel is housed in the shaped aluminum base and is wound from below. It will run approximately 10 hours on a wind.
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|
Notes:
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Each of the individual pieces are stamped with a '7'.
The engraved Omega name on the top plate is in a font that was used by the Omega Watch Co. from 1907-1927.
This escapement model was accompanied by an applied plaque engraved with 'R A Brown'. The jewelry firm 'R A Brown' was located in a prestigious retail area of St. Paul, MN in the beginning of the 20th century.
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Size:
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9.25in. Long
4in. Wide
3.5in. High
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1900 Small Swiss Gilt-Bronze Gorge Cased Minute-Repeating Carriage Clock.
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Inv. #:
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G130
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Retailer:
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Golay Fils & Stahl, Geneve.
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Case:
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The diminutive gilt-bronze gorge-style case has beveled glasses to five sides and a hinged handle above.
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Dial:
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The finely lettered white porcelain dial has Arabic numbers for the hours, gilt minute marks, steel spade hands, a gilt mask and is signed by the retailer, 'Golay Fils & Stahl. Geneve'.
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|
Movement:
|
The silvered eight-day two train movement strikes on two coil springs, has screwed pillars, layered plates, is wound and set off the backplate, still retains the original lever platform, is stamped 'Brevet 13896 56' along the lower edge of the backplate, has a repeat button above and a shut off out the bottom with, 'pull out for silence/ tirer pour silence' engraved on the falseplate. It strikes half grand-sonnerie while running and repeats the hours, quarters and minutes upon demand.
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Notes:
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This piece is interesting for both its diminutive size and the fact the complex striking is driven by the strike barrel and does not incorporate a plunger system as found on most of the Swiss pieces. It is a half grand-sonnerie while running which means it strikes the quarters and hours on the half hour, but not on the quarters like a full grand-sonnerie.
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Size:
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4.125 in. (w/out handle)
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1895 French Patinated, Gilt and Silvered-Bronze Animated Bicycle Clock
Inv. #F129
A rare late-Victorian French patinated, gilt and silvered bronze animated bicycle clock. Above a well-cast patinated man dressed in a uniform and wearing a kepi stands on a rockwork ground and pushes a gilt and silvered-bronze Penny Farthing bicycle. 'Made in France' is stamped along the back edge of the rockwork. The whole stands on a molded gilt bronze frame that is supported by a red marble base with turned feet.
The clock, barometer and thermometer each have gilt-bronze bezels, beveled glasses and are mounted in the red base. The Aneroid barometer has an engraved silvered dial with the appropriate weather indications in English, a gilt-bronze center and both a steel and a gilt-bronze indicator hand. The Fahrenheit scale has a silvered, engraved dial, a gilt-bronze center and a curved mercury thermometer. The silvered painted clock dial has a silvered cast center, black Arabic numbers for the hours and steel cut hands.
The eight-day time only movement is wound and adjusted through the dial and has a balance platform with a cylinder escapement.
Housed in the red marble base is the separate animation movement. The large spring barrel mechanism has a fly-wheel governor and is wound out the back through an aperture with a gilt-bronze screwed escutcheon. When wound it turns the two bicycle wheels for approximately 8 hours.
Ref:
The bicycle is referred to as a 'Penny Farthing' or the 'Ordinary'. The first high wheel bicycle was built in 1869 and they became a standard symbol of the late Victorian period once they were mass produced outside of Boston beginning in 1878.
See: Derek Roberts, 'Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy', front cover and pg. 268.
Height - 14.75in.
Retail Price: SOLD.
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c.1895 French Gilt and Silvered Bronze and Onyx Sailing Compendium.
Inv. #F144
A very nice late-Victorian gilt and silvered bronze sailing compendium. The well-cast sailboat has a single mast with realistic rigging, an anchor up front, several buoys and a compass in the shape of a ships wheel mounted to the rudder. The whole stands on a rectangular Onyx base with four bold gilt-bronze feet.
Mounted in the center within a silvered-bronze case wrapped with rope is the barometer. It has a beveled glass, a painted silvered dial with barometric pressure and both steel and brass indicator hands.
The eight day time only clock movement is suspended from the boom above, has a thick rounded front glass, a visible escapement, is wound and set off the backplate and is accessed by a hinged back door. It also has several small feet that allow it to be set down once removed from the boom.
The painted silvered dial has Arabic numbers for the hours and steel-cut hands.
Height - 13.5in.
Retail Price: SOLD.
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c.1885 Rare French Globe Clock.
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Inv. #:
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F164
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Retailer:
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Smith and Sons, 386/516
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Case:
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A large late-nineteenth century brass globe timepiece. The brass circular base and turned cast column support the globe, dial and the polished brass ball that represents the sun. The detailed eight inch globe is labeled in English, has longitude and latitude lines and has 'Patent 19460, The Empire Clock, S Smith and Sons Ltd, London' on an oval label. A brass fretted marker is secured at the top by a knurled shaped finial and can be adjusted to indicate the time at a chosen meridian.
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Dial:
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The silvered, engraved equatorial dial has black waxed Roman numerals for the nighttime hours and red ones for the daytime.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time only movement is housed in the base, has a lever escapement and is wound, set and adjusted out the bottom.
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Notes:
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Stamped into the bottom plate are 'Made in France', and '386/516'.
Early examples were made in France for the English market and retailed by established firms like Smith and Sons. Apparently Smith and Sons became more prominent as the word 'cable' in the earlier labels was replaced with 'Smith and Sons' at some point in the production.
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Size:
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16in.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1910 Gilt, Silvered, Coppered and Patinated Bronze and Variegated Marble Car Clock.
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Inv. #:
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F178
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Case:
|
The maroon lacquered bronze panels and fenders are highlighted by gilt and silvered bronze trim, coppered lights to the front and roof uprights, silvered horn, brake levers and leaf springs and a gilt and silvered bronze sloping hood. The underside of the limousine has coppered exhaust pipes, a differential and the actual driving arbors for the wheels. The four automated black wheels are set on steel spoked rims with gilt and silvered hubs and are apparently driven by the steel ladder chain that runs from a sprocket mounted to the real axel to an engine pulley. Folded silk decorates the glazed windows and the whole stands on four turned gilt bronze stands supported by a black variegated marble base on gilt-bronze feet.
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Dials:
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The white porcelain clock dial has bold well-lettered black Roman numerals for the hours, a minutes chapter and spade-style steel cut hands.
The aneroid barometer is mounted just below the clockwork and has a fitted gilt-bronze bezel with a beveled glass and steel and brass indicator hands. The porcelain scale has barometric pressures listed from 27-31 and the normal weather indications with 'Change' centered at 29.5.
The Fahrenheit thermometer is mounted in the passenger door, has a hinged bezel with beveled glass, a curved mercury tube with bulbous end and a silvered engraved scale that shows 0-130 degrees.
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Movement:
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The time-only eight day clock movement is mounted in the door, has a lever escapement, a gilt-bronze hinged bezel with a beveled glass and the winding arbor out the dial and is inscribed with Chinese characters.
Housed in the cab area is a separate animation movement that has a large spring barrel mechanism, a fly wheel governor and is wound out that back. The winding arbor is found under the hinged, silvered license plate engraved 'CH1005'. Once wound, the movement will drive the wheels for approximately three hours.
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Notes:
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Although there are a few examples in private collections, we are unaware of any ever being sold through auction.
'CH' is stamped into several components and was probably either the maker or bronzer. We have seen the same 'CH' stamped on other bronze clocks unrelated to the industrial series.
The car design is extremely similar to some of the limousines made during the first decade of the 20th century.
Since the indications are in English and the steering on the right side it was probably made for a client within the UK.
The Chinese characters would seem to indicate the piece was repaired in a Chinese speaking region during the Winter of 1909.
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Size:
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Height - 12in.
Width - 17.5in.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1825 French Miniature Ormolu Portico Clock.
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Inv. #:
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DF7
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Maker:
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Pickard
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Dial:
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Cast ormolu bezel, porcelain chapter ring dial with black Roman numerals, engine-turned center and steel Breguet-style hands.
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Movement:
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Eight-day time and strike movement with steel-spring suspension, is stamped 'PICKARD 453', has pendulum with polished steel rod and strikes on bell.
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Notes:
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Pickard is listed as working at the Rue du Temple in 1830.
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Size:
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12.5in
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1800 French Marble, Ormolu and Silvered Bronze Swinging Clock.
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Inv. #:
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DF80
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Dial:
|
The finely lettered white porcelain dial has Arabic numbers for the hours and fifteen-minute marks, decorative ormolu hands, a steel sweep second hand and a silvered bezel set with brilliants.
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Movement:
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The single train eight-day time only movement has shaped plates and a pinwheel escapement. The whole is suspended via knife-edge that incorporates the screwed fast slow and the crutch engages a pin mounted to the column causing the movement to swing side-to-side as it runs.
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Notes:
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A very rare example as the other examples from this period are generally in a lyre form.
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Size:
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20.25in.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1810 Miniature English Inlaid Ebony Time and Strike Bracket Clock.
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Inv. #:
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E60
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Maker:
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James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London, 1256.
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Case:
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The well-proportioned ebony veneered case has a peaked top, decorative brass inlay, brass bound glazed sides and back and brass feet.
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Dial:
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The extremely well-lettered white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, is signed and numbered by the maker, 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London, 1256' and has gold spade hands. The dial is framed by an elaborately fretted and engraved ormolu mask with a decorative ormolu surround mounted in the door.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time and strike double fusee movement has finely cut and finished wheel work, an anchor escapement, five turned posts, a pendulum with a screwed fast/slow adjustment, a steel suspension with a t-bridge, is engraved on the backplate, 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London' and strikes the hours on a bell when running or when activated by the pull repeat out the bottom.
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Notes:
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James McCabe signed his clocks differently depending on the quality. Clocks and watches signed 'James McCabe' were considered first quality. The gold hands and overall quality would seem to support this.
James McCabe used this combination of name and address from 1802-1814.
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Size:
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8.25in. high
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1900 French Gilt and Silvered Quarter-Striking Carriage Clock w/Limoge Panels.
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Inv. #:
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F184
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Maker:
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Unsigned
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Case:
|
The gilt and silvered-bronze Anglaise Riche style case has a molded top and bottom, fluted columns to the corners, a hinged reeded handle above and beveled glasses to three sides. The other two sides are Medieval inspired Limoge enamel panels with colorful portraits framed by white and gilt cartouches on deep red grounds.
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Dial:
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The matching deep red enamel dial has red Roman numerals on white cartouche plaques for the hours, gilt minute marks with larger green five-minute marks, decorative gilt-work, steel-cut hands and a wonderfully engraved silvered mask with cherubs and scrolling foliage.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time, quarter-strike and repeat movement strikes on gongs, is wound and set off the backplate, still retains the original lever platform, is wound and set off the backplate and has engraved indications in English and the stamped number '2141'.
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Notes:
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For a clock with similar Limoges portraits see: 'Carriage and Other Travelling Clocks' by Derek Roberts, pg.186.
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Size:
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6in. (w/out handle)
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1880 French Gilt and Silvered Bronze Petite-Sonnerie Carriage Clock with Simple Calendar.
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Inv. #:
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F181
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Maker:
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Henri Jacot, 2189.
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Retailer:
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Lepine, 24919.
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Case:
|
The extremely well-cast and finished silver and gilt-bronze Anglaise Riche case as canted corners, fluted columns with finely cast Corinthian columns, a shaped hinged handle with a fluted center and beveled glasses to five sides.
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Dial:
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The finely-lettered white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks, and finely finished steel spade hands. The three porcelain subsidiary dials have the days of the week in French, Arabic numbers for the hours and alarm, matching finely cut steel hands and are all framed by a silvered mask.
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Movement:
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The exceptional quality eight-day time, strike and alarm movement has Geneva stops on both barrels, is wound and set off the backplate, has an alarm, strikes petit-sonnerie on a bell, carries the Henri Jacot trade-mark stamp and serial number, '2189', is signed by the retailer, 'Lepine, 24919', has set knobs for the calendar features, beautifully engraved directional engraving and still retains the original high quality lever balance platform.
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Notes:
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Henri Jacot succeeded his uncle of the same name in 1868 and continued to produce superb quality carriage clocks until 1920.
Lepine were also noted for their superior pieces and craftsmanship.
The springs are indistinguishably signed and dated 'Jeune 10/80'.
It carries the typical stamp on the dial plate with the last date being 1878, thus dating it 1878-1889.
For a lengthy description of Jacot see: 'Carriage Clocks' by Allix, pg.113.
Includes original case and key.
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Size:
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6.75in.
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|
Retail Price:
|
SOLD
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c.1895 French Giant Gilt-Bronze Traveling Clock.
|
Inv. #:
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F183
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|
Maker:
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Marked D.H.
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|
Case:
|
The large gilt-bronze case has molded edges and a folding handle with a reeded center.
The platform above supports an aneroid barometer with a white porcelain dial and black lettering.
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Dial:
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The gilt-bronze dial has black Arabic numbers for the hours and steel-cut hands. Below, in black lettering, are the day, date and month on silk bands. Flanking the dial on a raised gilt-bronze mask are two temperature scales, Fahrenheit and Centigrade, with engraved indications and mercury tubes.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time-only movement has screwed posts, is wound and set off the backplate, is stamped 'DH' and 'France' and still retains the original lever escapement. Connected to the time movement by an elaborate linkage is the calendar movement with three seperate arbors - two out the bottom and one through the side. The two bottom arbors are used to manually set the month. The one out the side is used for the day and date. Turned clockwise manually adjusts the day while turned counter-clockwise resets the date and winds the small spring that automatically advances the day and date through the month.
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|
Notes:
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This Pendule Portative is in pristine condition and still retains the original traveling case.
For a very similar piece see: 'Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks' by Roberts, pg. 95.
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Size:
|
8.25in. (w/out handle)
|
|
Retail Price:
|
SOLD
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c.1836 Rare and Early French Animated Conjuror Clock, J.F. Houdin, Paris.
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Inv. #:
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P133
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|
Makers:
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Jacques François Houdin - clockmaker.
Les Frères Montandon - springmaker.
|
|
Case:
|
The extremely well-cast and finished ormolu and patinated bronze case has elaborate mounts that include feeding birds amongst scrolling foliage to the front corners, a two piece decorative scalloped molding, winged dragons flanking a grotesque mask below and above an oriental magician in traditional garb standing behind a table draped with a fringed carpet adorned with decorative 6 pointed stars.
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|
Conjuror:
|
The multi-piece ormolu figure has crisp detailed decorative work, wonderfully cut and finished earrings and a hinged head and arms. Within the interior are the wire linkages to the animation movement and the lead counterweights suspended by fine chains.
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|
Dial:
|
The silvered dial has engraved Roman numerals and minute's chapter on an engine-turned field, steel-cut Breguet-style hands and a decorative ormolu bezel with intertwined snakes above and a winged dragon below. It is stamped and numbered on the backside, 'JF Houdin, a Paris, 5614'.
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|
Movement:
|
The eight-day time and strike movement has a silk-thread suspension, an arbor off the back side to activate the animation above, the fast/slow out the front and is stamped, '5614, 6 - 6'.
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|
Animation Movement:
|
The animation movement, mounted below the table, has thick plates, well-cut and finished wheel-work, a Geneva stop and is wound and manually activated out the back. The patinated cups carry the items used in the ball and cup trick and sit in a revolving brass wheel. When the movement is activated, either at the hour by the clock or manually, the wheel rotates 180 degrees stopping at each notch to allow the items to be raised into position and then lowered again. The front plate is stamped, 'INVENTÉ ET EXÉCUTÉ A LA FABRIQUE D'HORLOGERIE, DE J-F HOUDIN. 10 N.D. DES VICTOIRES A PARIS. 1836.' while the backplate is stamped 'N.D.22' and the back cover '22'. The movement will activate 15 times per winding.
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Size:
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20in. high
|
|
Retail Price:
|
SOLD
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|
|
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c.1925 Swiss Miniature Gold and Rose Quartz Timepiece, Geneva Clock Co.
Inv. #G98
A rare early 20th century Swiss gold and rose quartz timepiece. The gold fourteen carrot rectilinear case has an attractive engraved striped pattern on all sides, several stamps along the back bottom edge that include 'Geneva Clock Co.', '2225' and '14K' and a decorative gold band that rests on the molded rose quartz base.
The small circular silvered dial has raised gold Arabic numbers for the hours, gold hands and a rounded gold bezel.
The eight-day time only movement is wound, set and adjusted out the back through shuttered apertures.
Included is the original key and leather covered case.
Height - 1.75in.
Retail Price: SOLD
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c.1900 Rare Silver Enameled Desk Clock in Egg Form.
|
Inv. #:
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F174
|
|
Maker:
|
Unknown Silver Mark
|
|
Case:
|
The egg-shaped hinged silver case is adorned with light blue guioche enamel to the outside. Once opened the watch springs out and is suspended by a footed silver housing that also supports the timepiece in an upright position. Most of the pieces are stamped with silver marks and the number '42' while the the circular housing is also stamped with an 'A' and 'C' on either side of a star in a lozenge.
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|
Dial:
|
The white porcelain dial has black Arabic numbers for the hours and gold spade hands.
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Movement:
|
The 15 jewel eight-day watch movement is easily removed from the egg housing to afford access to the rear plate from which it is wound and set and where it is stamped 'France', '177542' and 'metal dore'.
|
|
Size:
|
2.25 in. high
1.75in diameter
|
|
Retail Price:
|
SOLD
|
|
|
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c.1840 Extremely Rare Helical Geared Month-Going Skeleton Clock, Charles MacDowall,
Leeds. No
. 238.
|
Inv. #:
|
E56
|
|
Maker:
|
Charles MacDowall, Leeds
|
|
Notes:
|
A very rare mid-19th century English skeleton clock with helical gearing
by Charles MacDowall, Leeds. The high quality month running movement
has Inverted-Y shaped plates with sharply chamfered edges, three large
posts screwed with collets front and rear, a two-piece silvered dial,
helical gearing, a dead-beat escapement and a triangular shaped brass
pendulum.
The four wheel helical geared time-only train has heavy brass three
spoked wheels with rounded collets, an unusually elongated fusee with
26 turns, steel screwed end stops on the backplate and a caliper style
steel dead-beat anchor that encompasses 6 teeth of an 18-tooth escape
wheel. The crutch is fastened by a screwed collet to the anchor arbor
and, unlike most clocks, comes down inside the backplate, encircles the
next arbor and engages with the pendulum by a steel pin through a cut-out
slot in the back plate.
The shaped pendulum is suspended from a screwed beat adjustment by a
steel suspension spring, is triangular shaped and has a rounded brass
bound bob with the rating nut located above.
The two piece engraved, silvered dial has Roman numerals for the hours,
two nicely cut steel hands and is elaborately engraved in the center, 'Mess's
MacDowall Patent Helix Lever Leeds, Monthly, No. 238'
.
The whole is mounted upon a red velvet covered ebonized base and is
protected by its original glass shade.
Charles MacDowall was apparently the first in England to produce a series
of clocks using this system of gearing. Although the great mechanical
advantages of helical gearing were widely known by all those working
within the engineering fields, clockmakers tended to rely on the traditional
methods because of the great difficulty in making the helical shaped
wheels and pinions to the necessary tolerances. MacDowall ingeniously
retooled and created a line of high quality skeleton clocks, all seemingly
different from each other, which took advantage of this method of gearing.
Charles MacDowall is listed in Britten's as working 1835-1872.
For additional information on MacDowall see: Royer-Collard, pgs. 61-63 and for a similar clock see Fig. 3-50.
See also: Derek Roberts, 'British Skeleton Clocks', and pgs. 171-174.
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Size:
|
Height of Clock - 9.5 in.
Height Overall with Dome - 14 in. |
|
Retail Price:
|
SOLD
|
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|
|
c.1923 English Eight-Day Chronometer Mantel Clock.
|
Inv. #:
|
E58
|
|
Maker:
|
Charles Frodsham, London, No. 2354.
Thomas Mercer, No. 511.
|
|
Case:
|
The burled walnut case has nicely faded and well figured walnut veneer, brass inlay, beveled glasses to three sides set within rectilinear openings with chamferred edges, a bulls eye level above, patinated adjustable brass feet and a gilt lacquered bezel.
|
|
Dial:
|
The finely engraved silvered dial has Roman numerals for the hours, a seconds chapter with Arabic numbers for the 10-minute marks, an up/down wind indicator below with Arabic numbers and '8 Day Chronometer' in red and is sighed 'Charles Frodsham, London, No. 2354'.
|
|
Movement:
|
The eight-day time only movement has damascened plates, thick shaped screwed posts, a chain fusee, maintaining power and a detent escapement. The horizontally mounted balance platform has a helical hairspring, a bimetallic two arm balance wheel, a start/stop mechanism that is controlled out the dial, and is engraved 'Charles Frodsham & Co., Ltd, 27 So. Molton St, London, W1, No. 2354'.
|
|
Notes:
|
Thomas Mercer supplied their eight-day chromometer movements to some of the most prestigious clock firms in Europe including Breguet and Frodsham. They began in 1922 with the serial number 500 and ended with serial number 1312 in 1983. This example has 511 stamped on the seatboard and 503 stamped on the support brackets. One must assume, especially in the early years, that since all the parts were identical they sometimes intermingled serial numbers during the assembly.
For a very interesting and comprehensive history of Mercer see, 'Mercer Chronometers, History, Maintenance and Repair' by Tony Mercer.
Charles Frodsham were at this address from 1915-1941. The Frodsham serial number, 2354, in 'Chronometer Makers of the World' by Tony Mercer, dates to 1923 with the Mercer serial number, 511, actually noted as being recorded as sold to Frodsham in 1922.
|
|
Size:
|
10.75in high.
10.25in wide.
5.375 deep.
|
|
Retail Price:
|
SOLD
|
|
|
|
An Extremely Rare Swiss Early 20th Century Enamel and Silver Annular Dial Clock
|
Inv. #:
|
DF26
|
|
Maker:
|
Alfred Hof, Geneva, 57938.
|
|
Dial:
|
Mounted horizontally above is the blue and white enameled dial with Roman numerals for the hours, decorative half-hour marks and a silver ship mounted to the mirrored center that indicates the time.
|
|
Movement:
|
The eight-day time-only movement is signed Alfred Hof and is wound and set through a shutter in the bottom.
|
|
Notes:
|
The silver bottom has numerous stamps that include Alfred Hof, 57938 and Swiss.
|
|
Size:
|
5in.
|
|
Retail Price:
|
SOLD
|
|
|
|
c.1839 French Glass Dial Mystery Clock, Robert-Houdin, No. 28.
Inv. #P85
A very early ormolu and patinated-bronze Series II glass dial mystery clock by Robert-Houdin numbered '28' with the original gilt and rosewood stands. The waisted case has a scrolled and reeded ormolu base, a cherub supporting a cartouche flanked by scrolling foliage and two opposing Griffiths above that support the dial. The case is stamped in several interior surfaces '28' and is stamped on the back 'Brevet d'Invention'. The clock rests on a decorative felt covered carved gilt-wood stand and the whole stands on an inlaid rosewood base.
The well-lettered glass dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, a single arrow-shaped ormolu hand and is supported by a round patinated bezel.
The eight-day time and strike movement is housed in the center of the clock case, is wound and set out the back, still retains its original silk thread suspension and pendulum, strikes on a bell, is stamped by the movement maker 'W. Promoli a Paris' and for the inventor, 'Brevet d'Invention' and is stamped '28' in several places.
The secret to its operation is quite ingenious and completely mechanical. There are two glasses in the top. The front glass serves as the dial while the back remains unseen. The hand, although seemingly mounted to the one top glass is really mounted to the back glass and carried on a long arbor through to the front. The back glass is set into a large gear so the teeth follow its circumference. The power is transmitted up through the case by well executed wheelwork and turns the back glass, essentially a large 'glass' gear, that in turn points the hand to the proper time.
This example, No.28, is particularly remarkable because of its age, condition and originality. One spring, as was often the case on earlier clocks, is dated 1839. That date and the low serial number make it one of the earliest known examples. Amazingly, it also still retains the original two sided key and silk-thread pendulum, both stamped '28'.
Ref: Jean-Eugéne Robert-Houdin (1805-1871) was an extraordinary magician, scientist, and inventor most notably of magical automata and a series of mystery clocks. The success and overwhelming interest of the mystery series, in particular this model, allowed Houdin the financial independence to continue to create. For more information on this eminent maker see, 'Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks' by Derek Roberts, Chapter 19.
Height - 22.25in.
Retail Price: SOLD
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c.1880 French Engraved Gilt-Bronze Oval Carriage Clock with Grand-Sonnerie Striking, Simple Calendar and Alarm.
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Inv. #:
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F171
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Maker:
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Drocourt, 15965.
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Case:
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The decorative gilt-bronze oval case has crisp, detailed engraving, a hinged crescent shaped handle, beveled glasses to five sides and is stamped ‘15965' on the underside where it also carries the maker's engraved plaque, 'Carriage Clockmaker, Drocourt, Paris, Rue Debelleyme 28'.
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Dial:
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The finely lettered white circular hour dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic five-minute marks, finely cut Breguet-style hands and is signed by the maker, ‘Drocourt, 28 Rue Debelleyme, Paris'. Below are the three subsidiary dials for day, date and alarm and the whole is framed by an elaborately engraved gilt-bronze mask.
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Movement:
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The eight-day grand-sonnerie movement strikes on two gongs, is wound and set off the backplate, has the strike lever out the bottom, all the indications in English, is stamped with the serial number, '15965' and the maker's mark, 'DC' and retains the original balance platform with a screwed bimetallic balance wheel and lever escapement.
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Notes:
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This is a superb example from a maker renowned for excellent work. Drocourt would usually stamp the backplate and sometimes sign the dial, but this is the first piece we have seen where they also mounted an engraved plaque on the underside.
Original Case Included.
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Size:
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5.5in. (w/out handle)
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1890 French Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Paneled Carriage Clock.
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Inv. #:
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F169
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Case:
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The gilt-bronze Gorge case has pinched corners, a hinged handle and extremely fine classically inspired polychrome porcelain panels with decorative gilt-work and red and white seed pearls to all five sides.
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Dial:
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The finely executed porcelain dial has white cartouche plaques with Roman numerals for the hours and a circular white chapter below with Arabic numbers for the alarm. They are framed by a blue ground with decorative gilt-work and seed pearls and the center has a polychrome floral scene with a butterfly.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time, strike and alarm movement has the repeat out the top, is wound and set off the backplate with the indications in English, is numbered ‘809' and still retains the original lever balance platform.
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Notes:
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For a very similar clock see, 'Carriage and Other Traveling Clocks' by Derek Roberts, pg.165. It is interesting to note that the panels are nearly identical and almost certainly originated from the same source.
Five panel carriage clocks are exceedingly rare.
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Size:
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5.75in. (w/out handle)
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1890 Extremely Rare French Industrial Clock in the Form of an Ironclad Battle Ship.
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Inv. #:
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F168
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Case:
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The well-detailed silvered and gilt-bronze case has thermometers mounted to the smoke stacks, a compass in back and rides on patinated waves supported by a green onyx base.
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Dials:
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On one side of the center gun turret is the clock-dial with a silvered chapter, an open gilt-bronze center, Roman numerals for the hours and steel-cut hands. On the opposing side is a matching barometric dial with the weather indications in English.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time-only movement is housed in the turret, has a balance wheel escapement and the fast slow out the front.
The large animation movement is positioned in the hull, has a manual control push/pull lever out the top of the turret and is wound out the side through a capped aperture. Once wound it runs for approximately 3 hours while slowly rotating the turret and propeller in back.
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Notes:
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For a similar example see Sotheby's, 'Masterpieces from the Time Museum', Lot 608.
Iron Clad Battle Ships were first launched in 1859 and were the precursors to modern battle ships.
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Size:
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24in. long.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1890 Small French Gilt-Bronze Grand-Sonnerie Carriage Clock.
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Inv. #:
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F167
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Retailer:
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J.E. Caldwell & Co., Philadelphia.
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Case:
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The gilt-bronze case has caryatids to the corners, well-cast moldings top and bottom, a cast hinged carrying handle and beveled glasses to five sides.
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Dial:
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The nicely lettered off white circular porcelain dial has stylized Arabic numbers for the hours, Arabic fifteen-minute marks and two shaped steel-cut hands.
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Movement:
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The eight-day grand-sonnerie movement has the repeat out the top, the control lever for 'hours and quarters, quarters only and silent' out the base and a very nice silvered balance platform above. The back plate is stamped and numbered by the retailer, 'J.E. Caldwell & Co., Philadelphia, 6125' and has all the indications in English.
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Notes:
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To establish scale and clearly illustrate the diminutive size a detail image of this movement beside an average sized example is included.
For a similar example in silver see 'Fine Carriage Clocks' by Fanelli, pg. 204.
Original Case and Key included.
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Size:
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4.25in. (w/out handle)
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1930 French Chrome and Ebony Chronometer Mantel Clock.
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Inv. #:
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F175
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Maker:
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Breguet No. 2612
Mercer No. 685
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Dial:
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The silvered and engraved dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, a subsidiary seconds chapter with Arabic numbers for the ten second marks, an up/down indicator marked '8 - 0' and 'Bas - Haut', a start/stop lever marked 'A M', finely finished steel hands and is signed by the maker, 'Breguet, No 2612'.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time only movement has thick shaped screwed posts, thick damascened plates, a chain fusee and is stamped by the movement maker, '685'. The large horizontally mounted platform has a helical hairspring, a bimetallic two arm balance wheel with middle temperature error compensation and a spring detent escapement.
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Case:
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The chromium plated case has thick beveled glasses, a hinged front door and shaped feet. The original display case has an ebony base with a drawer to the side that holds the wind and set keys and a glazed bronze cover.
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Notes:
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The chronometer is accompanied by a letter from Breguet to Greenberg Rarities confirming a request for a certificate. There is also the certificate from Breguet, No. 3507 dated Feb. 18, 1977 stating that the clock was sold again by Breguet in 1964 to B. Ross.
The extremely high quality movement was supplied by Mercer and is stamped 685. Mercer supplied chronometer mantle clock movements to some of the most prestigious firms including Breguet and Charles Frodsham & Co.
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Size:
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Clock: 7.25in.high x 6.75in.wide.
Case: 9.5in. High x 8.75in. wide.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1870 Rare Large French Astronomical Perpetual Calendar Four Glass Clock.
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Inv. #:
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F177
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Maker:
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Achille Brocot
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Retailer:
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J.W. Benson, London.
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Dial:
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The outside chapter for the time dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, the fast/slow arbor above the twelve, nicely finished steel Breguet-style hands and a matching sweep seconds bit. The sunken center carries the outside escapement, a lunar aperture and the retailer's signature, 'JW Benson, London'. Below are the white porcelain subsidiary dials with black lettering, gold accent marks and steel indicator hands. They include sunrise, sunset, day, date and month. Centered is the polychrome porcelain equation of time dial with a steel-cut indicator hand that carries a gilt-bronze sun. and a sector aperture that shows the polychrome dial with the twelve zodiac symbols each framed by elaborate gilt-work. Framing the wonderful dials is an elaborate gilt-bronze mask with engraved scrolling foliage against a chased ground.
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Movement:
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The eight-day time and strike movement has shaped plates, an outside escapement with jeweled pallets, a sweep seconds hand, a Brocot suspension, an adjustable crutch, is stamped 'AB' in a star and '1325' and '24 8' on the backplate, a glazed compensating pendulum and strikes on a large coiled gong mounted to a wooden board in the base. The large perpetual calendar mechanism is mounted below the clockwork, is set off the back plate and has a trip lever that is activated by the strikework. The complications include day, date, month, sunrise, sunset, moondial and equation of time.
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Case:
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The large elaborately molded gilt-bronze case has beveled glasses to four sides and hinged doors front and back.
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Notes:
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Louis-Achille Brocot, 1817-1878, was both a clockmaker and mathematician. He was probably the most inventive of the five brothers fathered by the horologist Louis-Gabriel Brocot. He held numerous patents and went on to invent and improve many aspects of the mechanisms including the pendulum and suspension, escapement, calendar work and equation of time.
The bimetallic grid-iron pendulum is a derivation of Ellicott's pendulum and was patented by A. Brocot in 1847.
Under the sunrise dial was a cardboard spacer cut from ephemera from the watch and chronometer maker Henry Aston of 22 Congress Street, Boston, MA.
Aston is listed as working at that address c.1880.
The eminent firm of JW Benson was in business from 1851-1897 and held numerous Royal warrants.
This is the largest and most complicated of the series of calendar clocks from Brocot.
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Size:
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19.5in.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1800 Dutch Burled Walnut Bombé Tallcase, Van Heures, Amsterdam.
Inv. #T26
SOLD
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c.1840 Japanese Miniature Dai Tokei.
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Inv. #:
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G124
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Case:
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The small Persimmon wood case has cabriole legs, a stepped waist and a removable hood with glazed sides and a lift-up front door. The miniature brass case is engraved with chrysanthemums and has hinged sides with shaped latches.
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Dial:
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The engraved silvered dial has the zodiac characters for the temporal hours, a shaped copper hand and a single calendar aperture below.
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Movement:
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The brass movement has turned wheels, a single foliot with adjustable weights, a driving weight suspended by endless cord and strikes the Japanese system by torsion on the bell above.
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Notes:
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This piece was most likely used as a lady's personal timekeeper.
It runs for about 18 hours and would have been used during her waking hours.
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Size:
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4.25in. (clock)
15.25in. (case)
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.
1895 French White Marble and Gilt-Bronze Obelisk Clock.
Inv. #F45
The white marble obelisk is adorned with gilt-bronze mounts that include
beading along the molded edges, a cherub representing Prometheus, plaques
depicting the implements of war, and a large freeze on the front dominated
by two nymphs. The whole sits upon ball feet that are supported by a decorated
white marble base with a wonderful freeze and a chain border. The white
porcelain dial with black lettering has Arabic numbers for the hour chapter,
15-minute marks and nicely cut gilt-bronze hands. The eight-day, twin-barrel
movement strikes on a bell and has a Brocot suspension with the fast/slow
controlled through the dial. Obelisk clocks became popular in the late eighteenth-century
to commemorate military victories and had a revival during the late Victorian
era when to decorate using the design elements of the classical period became
fashionable.
Height - 26.5in.
SOLD
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c.1785 Exceptional French Ormolu and Silvered-Bronze Mantle Clock.
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Inv. #:
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P126
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Retailer:
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Martinet, London.
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Case:
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The ormolu base has decorative bun feet, an acanthus leaf molding, and supports the movement on four decorative shaped posts.
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Dial:
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The well lettered porcelain time dial has Roman numerals for the hours, steel Breguet-style hands for the time and a steel pointer for the alarm. The date dial has Arabic numbers and a steel indicator hand. Both are framed by a silvered dial plate engraved 'Martinet, London'.
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Movement:
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The extremely well made eight-day movement has thick plates, turned pillars, finely cut and finished wheelwork, a date feature, a crownwheel escapement with silk-thread suspension and a spring driven alarm mechanism that strikes by clapper on a bell located in the base.
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Notes:
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Hubert Martinet was a ‘mercier horologer' who had a shop in London, but whose work was almost certainly fabricated in Paris.
For another example of his work with some similar features see: Roberts, 'Continental and American Skeleton Clocks', pg. 21.
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Size:
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10 in.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1762 Rare French Ormolu Quarter-Repeating 'Pedule d'Officier'.
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Inv. #:
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P127
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Maker:
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LeFebure a Fontainebleau.
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Case:
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The rectangular glazed ormolu case has numerous decorative appliques including a palmette border, five decorative finials, five-pointed stars to the sides and a reeded cupola with a hinged handle above.
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Dial:
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The white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, black Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks, cast ormolu hands, is signed by the maker, 'LE BURE A FONTAINEBLEAU' and is indistinctly signed on the back by the enameler.
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Movement:
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The eight-day spring driven movement has turned pillars, an anchor escapement, a silk-suspension, a silk thread pendulum with a decorative lock and carries the spring loaded repeat work on the back-plate. Located under the handle are two bells and three hammers. While running, the single hammer strikes the hours and half-hours by torsion on the larger bell. When manually activated by pull cord the two other hammers count the quarters on both bells and then the single hammer counts off the hours.
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Notes:
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Jean Lefebvre was admitted master in 1733 and became clockmaker to the King working in Paris and Fontainebleau.
A less complicated example was sold in the Toebosch Collection, Sotheby's, Amsterdam.
The springs are signed 'Novembre, 1762'.
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Size:
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12in. High.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1820 English Rosewood Library Clock.
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Inv. #:
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DF19
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Dial:
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Shaped ormolu dial with engine turned center, engraved chapter lines, steel-cut hands and black painted Roman numerals for the hours.
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Movement:
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Eight-day time only fusee movement with an anchor escapement and plain rectangular plates with shaped top corners.
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Size:
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12.5in.
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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c.1910 Rare English Ormolu Ship's Clock.
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Inv. #:
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E51
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Maker:
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J.W. Benson, London. 8007
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Case:
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The very well-made circular case has a molded octagonal front with decorative floral volutes to the corners.
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Dial:
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The silvered engraved dial has Roman numerals for the hours, a sunken seconds chapter with Arabic numbers for the ten-minute marks, polished spade hands, the fast slow above the twelve and is signed by the maker, 'JW Benson, 25 Old Bond St., London'.
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Movement:
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The high-quality eight-day time-only fusee movement has nicely cut and finished wheel-work, maintaining power, a large gilt-brass balance platform with a lever escapement, a bimetallic compensating balance-wheel and is signed and numbered, 'JW Benson, London, 8007'.
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Notes:
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This piece is particularly interesting because it exemplifies the high standards of the English clock trade in the early 20th century. Not only is the movement of the highest quality, but the case rivals the best French bronze work of the period.
James William Benson is listed at this address from 1873-1921.
The serial number ‘8007' dates it to about 1908.
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Size:
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11.25in. (overall diameter of case)
6.5 in. (diameter of minute chapter)
4.75in. (depth)
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Retail Price:
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SOLD
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