51,750 CHF
Janvier No. 309, circa 1796. Very fine and unusual mahogany veneered, one month going, astronomical, sideral and lunar clock, with the phase of the moon. Rectangular, with sliding back panel, ormolu Sphynges on each side of the base and gilt brass engine-turned bezel. Gilt brass full plate round movement with turned pillars, going barrel, anchor escapement, short pendulum with silk suspension. Signed on the dial and the back plate. In very good condition. Dim. 31.5 x 18.5 x 15 cm Notes Sidereal time: The standard used by astronomers, is measured by the diurnal rotation of the earth, which turns on its axis in 23 hours, 56 minutes and 41 seconds. The sidereal day is therefore 3 minutes, 56 seconds less than the mean solar day. One sidereal minute worth: 59'83611 seconds of the mean time, and the sidereal second: 0. 9972685. One can imagine, the clock was constructed for an astronomer who wished to study the moon. The main hands would indicate, the position of the moon in relation to a particular star, such as the first point of Aries.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1992-10-17
