Musical and Automaton Clocks
French Industrial Clocks
In the late 19th century, several noted French clockmakers, among them Guilmet, Diette et Hour, etc., created a series of fascinating clocks with industrial and maritime themes. Collectively, they are known as “French Industrials”. Many had integrated automaton movements depicting the actions of their subjects. All are highly prized by collectors today for their unique eye-appeal.
Wallace Fountain Clock
An amazing work of art, together with an equally wondrous back story: Sir Richard Wallace, an English nobleman, decided to design, build and install many dozens of fountains throughout Paris after the Siege of 1870 resulted in destroying much of the clean water supply system. His generosity and largesse remain to this day, with over 100 functioning fountains still in use.
This extremely fine and rare clock, made in 1895, commemorates the fountains and Sir Wallace. It has a glass-rod water spout in the center of the statuettes, simulating the continual flow of water, which you can see here: video
#8931
Double Boiler Clock & Barometer
A fantastic c.1890 depiction of a late 19th-century steam engine powered by two boiler furnaces. Complete with a spinning flywheel governor and giant rotating wheel; in front of the engine a push-rod travels vertically up and down from the powering engine piston. A true homage to the Industrial Age! See a video here
#842
c.1895 Animated Lighthouse Clock
A spectacular, 20” (51 cm.) tall late 19th century gilt and silvered-bronze animated lighthouse clock. The rare and unusual gilt bronze case is shaped like an early lighthouse with decorative brickwork, a cast balustrade, several windows and a door, sitting upon a circular black Belgian marble base. The rotating top includes a timepiece, two thermometers and a barometer.
The four dials include a painted silvered time dial with Roman numerals, two painted silvered thermometer dials with semicircular tubes and a painted silvered barometer dial.
The eight-day time only movement is wound out the front and is adjusted for fast slow off the backplate.
The animation movement is located in the base, wound out the side and rotates the top for several hours.
#841
Nautical Compendium
A gorgeous, like-new anchor form compendium featuring clock, barometer and central thermometer. A rare example of the French Industrial series, made around 1880 by Guilmet.
#833
A Rare Matching Pair of Animated Lighthouses by Guilmet #832
Animated Capstan Clock
One of the most desirable of Guilmet's creations is this "capstan" clock, with rotating head housing the clock, barometer and thermometers.
A cornucopia of maritime implements adorn the entire piece.
#821
Animated Fire Engine Clock
An exceptionally rare late-19th century animated fire engine industrial clock. The red painted, silvered and gilt-bronze case stands on a black Belgian marble base and depicts an early horse drawn steam powered fire engine.
The time-only movement is wound through the front, has a balance wheel escapement and is adjusted for fast/slow out the dial. The animation movement is housed below, is wound out the back and drives the large wheel and three piston linkages for approximately 2 hours.
One of only a few known to exist.
#8926
Nautical Mantel Clock
A spectacular compilation of nautical gear with two matching anchor-themed side pieces.
#839
Rare & Unusual French Industrial “Campfire” Scene Clock
#827
French Industrial Bell Clock
#829