A scarce late 19th century French 'bras-en-l'air' figural timepiece
16
A scarce late 19th century French 'bras-en-l'air' figural timepiece
The gilt brass arched case surmounted by three shaped finials behind a palmette cresting on spiral turned pillars bordering the female figure in classical robes, mounted on a blue enamel ground enriched with gilt tendrils, her outstretched arms acting as hands indicating the hours to the left and minutes to the right on enamelled sectors, set on a veined marble plinth base with applied gilt mouldings and splayed feet, the movement with lever platform escapement, raising the arms via two snails, each attached to a rod and cam. 44cm (17.25)
Sold for £12,500 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • Comparative literature: An identical model is illustrated in Roberts, Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, Schiffer, plate 8-19

    A similar model was sold in the Joseph M Meraux Collection of Rare and Unusual Clocks, Sotheby's New York, June 1993, lot 81.

Category: Clocks and Watches / Clocks

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James Stratton Bonhams
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101 New Bond Street
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Charles Crisford Bonhams
Work
101 New Bond Street
London, W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Work +44 20 7468 8371
FaxFax: +44 20 7468 8370
Specialist - Clocks