French Celestial Skeleton Clock

This remarkable English Litchfield Cathedral skeleton clock, crafted by Evans of Handsworth, captures the essence of the famed Lichfield Cathedral with its iconic three-spire top and stunning Gothic architecture. This extraordinary timepiece features an intricate skeleton design, revealing its impressive two-train chain fuseé movement that powers an eight-day movement, chiming the hours on a melodious gong. The dial is a masterpiece in itself, intricately pierced and engraved in silver, displaying the time with Roman numerals and blued steel hands. The clock sits gracefully atop its original rosewood base. The Birmingham firm of William F. Evans of Handsworth was one of the most respected makers of skeleton clocks of the 19th century. The golden age of their manufacture occurred between the 1860s through the 1880s, and the firm was renowned for the stellar quality, grand size and superior materials utilized in the creation of their clocks. Of the many cathedrals they produced, the Litchfield Cathedral skeleton clock has earned a prominent status in today's market, being highly sought-after and coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Skeleton clocks stand out as exceptional and captivating timepieces, meticulously crafted to reveal the inner workings of the mechanism in all their glory. Originating as early as the mid-16th Century as drum clocks, these intricately designed clocks are a testament to the finest craftsmanship of their time. The French played a significant role in popularizing skeleton clocks around 1750, introducing remarkable spring-driven antique mantle clocks...

This important Napoleon III annular dial mantel clock is distinguished by its pendulum movement–a feature rarely seen in annular dial clocks. The pe...

This resplendent French Empire gilt bronze mantel clock features an extraordinarily detailed scene of a singing troubadour with his lyre along a rocky river bank. Accompanied by a wi...

One of the most amazing timepieces we have ever acquired that offers far more than meets the eye, this incredible work of art blends the beauty of a painting with the mechanical complexities of both a cylinder music box and an automaton. While it is clear to see the integrated clock residing within the arched giltwood and gesso frame, when activated, this painting quite literally comes alive. As the cylinder mechanism within plays its lovely tune, every character in the farrier's shop becomes animated – from the group of farrier's toiling away at the forge and anvil forming the horseshoes, to the wagging of the charming terrier's tale. This musical automaton picture clock is attributed to Xavier Tharin of Paris who was the preeminent creator of this fantastical "moving pictures", especially this particular farrier scene. His process mixed oil painting and hand-colored lithograph images that were layered starting from the back, middle and foreground to craft the complex series of movements throughout the painting. A look inside this particular work reveals the complex mechanism (with the three gongs, pendulum and cylinder components immediately visible) which must run the timepiece, the cylinder musical component plus the multitude of moving elements in the painting...a truly incredible feat considering the technical prowess to create just one of these devices. Musical picture clocks...

Antique skeleton clock, France, circa 1900.

Stamped, French late 19th century skeleton clock. Made out of Mahogany wood and brass. Porcelain dial with roman numeral details.

A stylish Jaeger-LeCoultre skeleton timepiece with a gilded 16 jewel inline or ‘baguette’ movement suspended behind convex glass. The bezel is of gilded brass with a white enamel sur...

A stylish Jaeger-LeCoultre skeleton timepiece with a gilded 16 jewel inline or ‘baguette’ movement suspended behind glass. The case of gilded brass has a brushed finish, with the bat...