Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 11, 2014

LOT 143

THE NIGHT WATCHMAN - CANDLESTICK AND AUTOMATON ALARM CLOCK Austrian. Made circa 1880. Rare and unusual, painted spelter figural table clock with candlestick and automaton alarm.

In the form of the figure of a portly night watchman in black tunic, red boots, striped cloak and a feather cap, his right hand held aloft and holding a candle, his left hand holding a bell, the arm moving back and forward during the activation of the alarm and ringing the bell, circular base with repeated pattern, the clock housed within the body. Gilt-painted radial Roman numerals. Pierced gilt-brass Louis hands. Circular brass three-quarter plate, going barrel, tic-tac escapement with cowtail pendulum, alarm train mounted behind the barrel and wound simultaneously, geared via a ratchet and click and crank levers to create the movement of the figure's arm when the alarm is activated.