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, for which the rocking helmsman forms the compound pendulum, strikes on a coiled gong. The helmsman rocks back and forth with each tick. Minute hand is replaced (looks OK). 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 121/2 inches
Record courtesy of R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts