Datei:Robert-Houdin. Emile Paris.jpg

Mysteröse Uhr Emile Robert-Houdin

A very rare late nineteenth century swinging glass dial mystery clock by the eminent firm Robert-Houdin. The decorative patinated metal base is elaborately ornamented with floral reliefs, stands on large decorative feet at the front and to the sides and supports the two classically attired polychrome female figures joined at the top by a decorative bracket. Mounted to the bracket is the steel rod that carries the adjustable suspension block and pin.

The clock is composed of a glass dial, a grid-iron center mounted with the suspension spring and a dark blue painted sphere with silvered bronze stars that houses the movement. The small eight-day movement has the single winding aperture hidden behind a moveable star while the crutch rises out the back and engages the pin above. Once running the clock rocks side to side pivoting at the point of suspension.

The circular glass dial has a chamfered edge and gilded lettering on a black ground. It has Roman numerals for the hours, is signed by the maker, 'Robert-Houdin, Paris' and has two decorative gilt hands. Housed in the center and accessed by a shutter back is the driving force for the hands. Although there is no apparent connection between the two movements, the motion work in the center of the dial is indeed dependent on the rocking powered from below. As the clock swings a small weighted pendulum falls side to side and delivers the necessary impulse to drive the motion work and in turn the large decorative hands. Since the hands are driven by a very delicate center movement they are perfectly balanced by small cylinders of lead.

Ref: This piece would have been completed by Robert-Houdin Jr. who took over the shop in 1859 and continued into the 20th century.

Sundial Farm Antique Clocks Ltd.

Lizenz

Alle Bildrechte liegen bei Steven Thomson. Diese Abbildung ist urheberrechtlich geschützt und steht nicht unter einer freien Lizenz. Für anderweitige Nutzungen außerhalb von Watch-Wiki ist die schriftliche Zustimmung des Urheberrechtsinhabers nötig.

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