Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 17, 2013

LOT 368

CARAVELLE AUTOMATON BRACKET CLOCK Signed Jam.s Smith, London, probably Dutch, movement No. 70993. Made in the 20th century in the 18th century style. Mahogany, gilt and painted 8-day going, hour and half-hour striking bracket clock with calendar and moon phases and an automaton scene of three ships animated by the action of the pendulum.

C. Mahogany, bell-top with handle, four pineapple finials, molded cornice and base, sides with fretwork panels, hinged arch-top front door with gilt rococo spandrels, the corners with mask and flower swag mounts. D. Silvered annular chapter ring in the arch with radial Roman numerals, arcaded minute ring and Arabic five-minute numerals, matted gilt brass center with apertures for the moon phases and calendar, polychrome painted automaton scene below of three ships moving on the waves before a townscape, the surround painted with a red curtain with Neptune and another figure in the lower corners and two female figures above. Pierced black hands. M. Rectangular brass plates, going barrels for both trains, anchor escapement, bob pendulum connected via a rod to the automaton, striking on a bell. Dial signed. DIAM. 42 x 25.5 x 17 cm.