Maker – A. Cadot, Place Dauphine.

Retailer – Charpentier a Paris.

A rare early 20th century French japanned mystery turtle clock with a pewter tray.

The japanned case has partially canted corners and a dark maroon ground with differing gilt lined scenes to the four sides.

The engraved pewter tray has Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic 15 minute marks and an inner chapter ring showing 5 minute intervals. The tray is filled with water and the floating turtle indicates the time.

The eight day time only movement is horizontally mounted and  is wound at the top and set out the side. To wind the top section is easily removed to expose the movement. It retains the original lever balance platform, carries a split circular magnet, is stamped ‘Made in France’, ‘1178’ and has the trademark stamp of A.Cadot within an oval on the front plate and is also stamped ‘Charpentier’ on the back.

Cadot was an ingenious maker who was well-known for the square glass dial mystery clocks he produced to confuse those who already knew the secret of Robert-Houdin’s clocks.

These are some of the other turtle clocks we have owned:

c.1925 French Mahogany Mystery Turtle Clock – Sundialfarm

c.1931 American Mystery Turtle Clock. – Sundialfarm

c.1931 American Marble, Silver and Enameled Mystery Turtle Clock. – Sundialfarm

c.1925 Swiss Marble, Silvered Bronze and Sterling Silver Mystery Turtle Clock. – Sundialfarm