c.1850 Rare and Unusual Triple Mystery Clock.
French /
Novelty
Inv. #: f257
Maker: Robert-Houdin
Circa: 1850
Size: 24" high
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c.1850 French ormolu triple mystery clock by the eminent maker Robert-Houdin. The movement is housed in the top portion of the base and the power is transferred to the time and hour hands through the griffins, glass tube and glass dial.
Case
The griffins are mounted to the decorative top plate of the elaborately decorated double base that houses the movement and support the glass tube and dial assemblies.
Dial
The multi-glass dial has Roman numerals for the hours, an inner graduated chapter ring and extremely fine hour and minute hands.
Movement
The eight-day time and strike movement has a balance platform with a lever escapement, is housed below the griffins and is wound and set out the back. The backplate carries the trade stamp of Japy Freres with the dates 1844 and 1849.
Ref: For a much more in depth history of Robert-Houdin see: ‘Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks’ by Derek Roberts, Chapter 19.
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