£1,500 - £2,000
A FRENCH OXIDISED AND GILT BRASS NOVELTY AUTOMATON WINDMILL TIMEPIECE ATTRIBUTED TO ANDRE ROMAIN GUILMET, LATE 19th CENTURYThe eight-day single train circular timepiece movement with platform cylinder escapement regulated by monometallic balance vertically planted on the backplate next to stamped serial number 1776, the 2.25 inch circular silvered brass Roman numeral dial with recessed gilt centre and blued steel hands set behind hinged bevel-glazed bezel, positioned beneath an aneroid barometer with conforming gilt centre and silvered scale calibrated in barometric inches and with the usual observations set behind conforming bevelled glass incorporating a recording pointer, the case modelled as a windmill tower with conical roof over arrangement of four revolving sails powered by a spring-barrel driven movement positioned within the base of the structure, the slightly flared cylindrical upright rendered with bonded blocks and applied with mercury tube FAHRENHEIT opposing incomplete CENTIGRADE and REAUMUR scale thermometers to the sides, the circular plinth base with foliate pierced brass gallery over hinged miniature door enclosing the winding square for the windmill sail movement flanked by dummy windows, with moulded brass skirt set on a circular black marble plinth, (one thermometer tube lacking).The tower 41cm (16.25ins) high, 47cm (18.5ins) high overall, 17cm (6.75ins) diameter at the base. Andre Romain Guilmet was born on the 10th of December 1827 in La Ferte-Gaucher, France. He was a credited as a watchmaker and inventor who specialised in producing novelty and mystery clocks for which he applied for a number of patents for designs. Amongst his other Patents was that for a bicycle where the driving chain was set below the seat. He is best known for his 'mysterieuse' figural clock with glass pendulum, this takes the form of a woman holding pendulum in her outstretched hand and arm over a marble base containing the clock below. The pendulum is impulsed by the mechanism underneath her that moves the figure imperceptibly from side to side (see following lot). Guilmet's industrial series of clocks, which includes the current lot, features automated clocks in the form of windmills, lighthouses, automobiles, boats, steam hammers, boilers, etc.; another 'windmill' automaton timepiece from this series is illustrated in Roberts, Derek Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks figure 22-28.
The timepiece movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or replacements. The windmill-sail motor is also in working condition however both this and the timepiece movement would probably benefit from a gentle clean/service. We have been unable to 'bag test' the barometer as one of the screws that hold it in place will not withdraw when turned hence cannot be easily removed form the case. However the reading appears not to have moved whilst it has been with us and reading is on the low side - hence we suspect that the aneroid chamber is compromised and will need calibration at the very least. The right-hand thermometer tube is intact and filled with mercury; the left hand is missing. The case is lacking its finial and there is some bending/delamination to the structure of the sails. The marble plinth has a few slight edge chips otherwise the case is in sound unrestored condition but with historic rubbing and heavy oxidation to the finish throughout.Timepiece has two winding keys.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
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| 20001.00 to 500000.00: | 33.6% inc VAT* |
| 500001.00 to 1000000.00: | 27.6% inc VAT* |
| 1000001.00+: | 18.6% inc VAT* |
Flat Fee Registration
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| 20001.00 to 500000.00: | 30% inc VAT* |
| 500001.00 to 1000000.00: | 24% inc VAT* |
| 1000001.00+: | 15% inc VAT* |
