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.
Ref: H. Arnold & Steinwachs table and carriage clock makers was established in Geneva in 1901 at rue du Rhône, 48 in 1910.
The black and white photographs are from an original photobook from the H. Arnold and Steinwachs workshops.
Notes This mystery clock is a magnificent example of 20th century enameling and ivory carving and quite possibly made for exhibition purposes. It is one of the most sophisticated examples of this genre and has survived in wonderful condition. Enormous effort has gone into the detail of the enameling with subtle shading and gold highlights used throughout. The ivory sculpture of Bacchante with Cupid is extremely high quality and a work of art in its own right. This clock was made to be seen from all sides as the time is seen from all sides.
