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Automaton Lighthouse Desk Clock - Andre Romain Guilmet
A video showing this item running can be found by copying this link:
https://youtu.be/Dy6GfHfuVmw
The French firm founded by André Romain Guilmet made a series of clocks with industrial and maritime themes between c.1875 and the 1910s. Many of his case designs celebrated the accomplishments of the industrial revolution.
This fine automaton is the smaller and rarer of the two different models of lighthouse clock that Guilmet produced, of a design used to mark the entrance to a harbour. The larger versions are often constructed to mark shoals and reefs.
The eight-day movement is regulated with a duplex escapement, the balance forming the oscillating lens that reflects light at the top. This original glass encased lens is constructed with a number of vertical glass bars which oscillate at speed, giving the effect of a flashing light.
The appealing brickwork case is silvered with brass highlighted base, rings, dial, intricate filigree gallery fence and platform.
The white perfectly enamelled dial measures approximately 1.5 inch with Roman numerals and complete with its original blued steel hands.
André Romain Guilmet
André Romain Philéas Guilmet was an inventor, best known for his mystery clocks in which a female holds her hand outstretched; pivoted on the hand is a clock pendulum which appears to have no impulse. He took out a number of patents between 1853 and 1887, some horological, others not. Some were in conjunction with other inventors, such as the bicycle chain (developed with Edouard Myer in 1868).
He also produced a series of clocks of an industrial nature between c.1875 and the 1910s. This lighthouse is one, others include the steam hammer clock, beam engine automaton, mortar clocks. This model is illustrated on page 257 & 258 of Derek Roberts’ book, Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks. Not all were signed by Guilmet – in fact very many were not.
Guilmet’s industrial clocks are clocks of the highest standard.
Height: 25cms
Width and depth: 9cms
Recently serviced, re-silvered to a high standard and complete with its original twin key,