Beschreibung:

A French patinated spelter and gilt brass mounted figural mystery clock Guilmet, Paris, late 19th century The two train countwheel bell striking movement with Guilmet's crank and stirrup escapement connected via fixed crutch passing through the movement plates to a cylindrical steel post resting via a pin pivot and carrying the moulded plinth for the figure surmount, the backplate stamped with oval GLT, BREVETTE, S.G.D.G. trademark and numbered 1010, the 4 inch circular gilt on black marble Roman numeral dial with gilt spade hands within egg-and-dart cast hinged bevel-glazed bezel, the rectangular plinth-form case with parcel gilt 'bronze' patinated spelter figural surmount cast as a standing Classical female holding aloft in her left hand the spring suspension for the glass inset bob pendulum above cavetto moulded top and stylised lions mask ring side handles, the front with incised gilt scroll decorated infill around dial, on cavetto moulded skirt base with conforming decoration and generous scroll cast lions paw feet to front, 63cm (24.75ins) high. Andre Romain Guilmet was amongst a number of French clockmakers, including Robert Houdin, who responded to the Parisian passion for magic and conjuring by designing a clock which was inherently mysterious in nature. The mechanism which he devised was designed to give the impression that the pendulum, held by the figural surmount, appeared to operate without an impulse. This was achieved by standing the figure on a post which was pivoted on a pinpoint at the base, this allowed the figure itself to oscillate side by side imperceptibly. With this post connected to the specially designed crank and stirrup escapement the impulse for the pendulum is ingeniously transferred through the figure. Guilmet was granted Patent for his invention in 1867, which was modified in 1872. The apparent popularity for his design of 'pendule a marche mysterieuse' can in part be due to the showing of such clocks at the various international exhibitions held in Paris and elsewhere throughout the latter quarter of the 19th century. IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS Movements, dials and cases: movements and dials are described as relating to the cases in which they are housed in one of the following three ways: the case.... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial started life in the current case. in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are in a case of correct period and type (and may well be original to the movement and dial), however there is evidence to suggest that they may not have started out life together. now in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are no longer in the original case or one of correct period and/or type. Pendulums, weights, winding and case keys: unless specifically indicated otherwise in the catalogue description it can be assumed that all clocks with cases are sold with the requisite pendulum and correct number of weights (where appropriate), however we cannot guarantee that they are original to the clock. We do not indicate in the catalogue description whether winding or case keys are present with any specific clock. As many clocks are consigned without keys please check with the department to establish whether they are present or not prior to bidding. Condition: due to the mechanical nature of clocks and the fact that most are of great age we cannot offer any guarantee as to whether they are in working order or free from major faults or restoration. Although we endeavour to catalogue items in a fair and informed manner, omission of any comments or observations regarding the condition or originality of a clock in the description does not necessarily indicate that it is free from significant faults, restoration or is in working condition. We would strongly advise any prospective purchaser to view the item in person or request a condition report and/or further images prior to bidding. Measurements: dial measuremen