13,225 CHF
French, after Robert-Houdin, circa 1880. Fine and unusual gilt bronze square mystery clock in the Louis XVI style. The gilt bronze frame topped with foliage and ribbon ornaments is supported on a black painted wooden base by a gilt bronze column with acanthus and foliage decoration. Square, crystal with bevelled edges, mainted with red Roman numerals and outer minute ring. Gilt brass Breguet hands. Gilt brass three-quarter plate with going barrel, concealed in the base, cylinder plateform escapement with plain brass three-arm balance and flat balance spring. The minute hand, fixed on the thin back plaque of glass is driven by meand of a crank gearing through a small eccentric. The hour hand is driven by means of a small motion work. Dim. 35 x 15 cm. Notes Basically made on the same principle as the earlier type, invented by Robert Houdin, which was with a circular dial and fitted with a single hand, much smaller and also fitted with a minute hand, this type with square crystal dial is far, more spectacular and mysterious.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1999-04-24