Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 12, 1997

LOT 281

Guilmet, Paris, No. 1949, Pendule a balanciervisible a marche rnysterieuse, Patent No. 78311 from October 30th, 1867, improved on April 19th, 1872. Fine gilt bronze and black marble, crystal pendulum mystery hour and half hour striking mantle clock.

CHF 6,000 - 7,000

Sold: CHF 8,280

C. In the form of a truncated fluted black marble column flanked by gilt bronze leafy corbels with lion mask terminals, the whole surmounted by a bronze figure of a maiden in classical dress, holding aloft a pendulum with crystal bob which oscillates without apparent impulse. D. Black marble dial with gilt engraved Roman numerals. Gilt brass "spade" hands. M. Brass "Mouvement de Paris " with going barrels both on the going and the striking trains, Guilmet crank wheel escapement. Hour and half hour striking on a bell with count wheel on the back plate. In very good condition, with copies of the original patents. Dim. 70 x 36 x 20 cm.


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Notes

In the original patent from 1867, the impulse to the pendulum, held aloft by the statue, was given by the oscillations of a synchronised pendulum in the movement. In this clock, according to the i mproved patent from 1872, the implulse is given directly from the escapement. It is interesting to note that in this clock, the figure iS macle of bronze, while more often, such figures were made of spelter, which is a much cheaper material.