Description
The bronze and silvered case is in the form of a ship's quarter deck, set with a binnacled compass and a sailor with a coil of rope, another at the helm, the whole on a stepped black marble base on gilt brass feet. The two train signed French movement with platform escape, and striking the hours and halves on a coiled gong. The helmsman forms the top of the compound pendulum and rocks back and forth with each tick. For reference see Sotheby's Meraux sale (6-28-93), lot 15, this same model sold for $13,225. pictured in Derek Roberts' book: Mystery Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, (1999), page 265, fig 22-27, and on the inside rear cover leaf, Mr. Roberts is setting at his desk with one of these clocks. Height 12 1/2"
Record courtesy of R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts