Magnificent Early 20th-Century Enamel, Silver and Lapis Mystery Clock, No. 58767
Miscellaneous /
Novelty
Inv. #: g178
Maker: H Arnold & Steinwachs
Size: 18" high
on request
Exceptionally fine unique large gilt-silver, marble, enamel, ivory and lapis-lazuli 8-day going mystery table clock with two 12-hour dials and four swans as hour and minute indicators. Accompanied by a wooden base and glass shade.
Case
The gilt-silver case has a circular blue enamel bottom adorned with finely detailed grisaille zodiac symbols amongst billowing gilt clouds. The octagonal cupola above has gilt-silver columns, a finely carved ivory sculptural group of Cupid and Bacchante in the center, an enameled multi-layered octagonal top with grisaille depictions of the four seasons and matching gilt work and a lapis finial above. The whole is supported by an octagonal marble base with scalloped edge and decorative feet.
Dial
The decorative annular enamel dial with cream and blue decorative elements has Arabic numbers for the hours and 5 minute marks. The 24-hour dial has two sets of 0-12. The carved swans, two adult and two cygnets, move above an enamel disc with water related decorative elements. The larger swans complete the entire circle in 24 hours thus indicating the hours while the cygnets complete the trip in 2 hours and indicate the minutes.
Movement
The circular matte gilt 8-day movement has a large going barrel, 11 jewels, a straight line lever escapement on an oval platform, a cut bimetallic compensation balance with 2 adjustments, a blued steel Breguet balance spring, an index regulator and is wound and set out the side of the case.
