21,850 CHF
Not signed, France, circa 1820. Extremely rare and unusual skeleton clock with centre seconds, simulating perpetual motion. Secured on a rectangular alabaster base applied with a gilt bronze figure of Orpheus. White enamel chapter ring with Roman numerals. GiIt brass "Louis XV" hands. Concealed in the base, the going barrel drives a verge escapement controlled by a half second beating pendulum with silk suspension, the arbor of the escape wheel concealed within a fine polished steel turned column. A pinion carried on the extended arbor drives a large wheel set with bail cups on the rim and at the same time, an outer wheel set around the escape wheel, drives the Archimedes endless screw. This arrangement gives the illusion that the large ball-cup wheel is driven by the weight of the ivory balls and simultaneously activating the endless screw rising the balls back to the top. In good condition. Dim. 40 x 15 x 15 cm.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1994-10-15
