French Industrial Battleship Clock

View Similar Items

1970s Seiko Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Steel Quartz Wall Clock, Pink

1980s Citizen Japanese Blue Steel Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Quartz Clock

1970s British Bronze and Chrome AC GMT Co. Industrial Wall Clock White Dial

1970 Seiko Blue and Tobacco Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Steel Quartz Clock

1970s British Classic Blue & Chrome Ac Gmt Co. Industrial Wall Clock White Dial

1970s British Classic Blue & Chrome AC.GMT.Co. Industrial Wall Clock Black Dial

French Musical Automaton Picture Clock

Pair of French Walnut Clocks & Barometers

French Pendulum Clock & Aneroid Barometer, circa 1960

19th Century French musical automaton clock

1970s British Bronze AC.GMT.Co. Industrial Wall Clock Chrome Bezel Black Dial

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 8

French Industrial Battleship Clock

About the Item

Taking the form of a battleship, this French automaton clock is a spellbinding example of the complex artistry of industrial timepieces. This genre of clockmaking rose in popularity during the Industrial Revolution, and such clocks were sought after by titans of industry. Specially designed to showcase the new technologies of their time and place, they were undoubtedly among the most creative and diverse timepieces of their era. This example demonstrates how these clocks combined both precision timekeeping with mechanically-inspired automata. Not only does it include a clock face at its center, but also a barometer, thermometer and compass. Its real charm, however, lays in the fact that it also comes to life with the simple wind of a key — the turret and propellers are connected to a separate mechanism that causes them to turn when wound. Apart from its mechanical complexity, this timepiece is simply a pleasure to view. Crafted of silvered and gilt bronze, the boat is crafted with an impressive degree of historical accuracy. A torpedo hangs from the side rail, while the battering ram at the bow further designates it as a battleship. Railing, anchor chains and anchors, among other details, further lend a lifelike quality to this charming timepiece. Rare on the market, these clocks are extremely popular with collectors and difficult to find in such exceptional, working condition. This important clock is pictured on page 256 of Mystery, Novelty, Fantasy Clocks by D. Roberts, circa 1895 Measures: 6 1/4" wide x 12 1/2" deep x 15" high.

Dimensions:
Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)Width: 6.25 in (15.88 cm)Depth: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)
Style:
Industrial (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Gilt,Silvered
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1895
Condition:
Repaired: Professionally cleaned and serviced. Professionally cleaned and serviced.
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-12801stDibs: LU891121594622

More From This Seller

View All

French Musical Automaton Picture Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

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...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Wall Clocks

Materials

Paint

French Musical Automaton Picture Clock

$88,500

Joe DiMaggio's Presentation Desk Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

From the personal collection of the legendary Joe DiMaggio, this incredible vintage desk clock was presented to the Yankee Clipper by Harrah's for his par...

Category

20th Century Swiss Other Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Joe DiMaggio's Presentation Desk Clock

$58,500

French Annular Dial Mantel Clock

By Maison Marnyhac 1

Located in New Orleans, LA

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

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

French Annular Dial Mantel Clock

$68,500

French Empire Troubadour Mantel Clock

By Le Roy

Located in New Orleans, LA

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...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Mantel Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Troubadour Mantel Clock

$28,500

French Great Wheel Skeleton Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

This important glass-fronted French Empire great wheel skeleton clock has the remarkable ability to run with incredible accuracy for more than a week on a single winding. The large central wheel and the rare combination of the pin-wheel escapement and knife-edge suspension allow for a longer, more accurate running time than most clocks of the period. The clock is further distinguished by the inclusion of a concentric calendar dial and Roman numeral chapter ring set amidst a stunning floral halo of gilt bronze fretwork, all mounted on a bronze-wrapped marble base. In such fine, working condition, and with the inclusion of a period glass dome, this clock is exemplary of the finest French skeleton...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Great Wheel Skeleton Clock

$48,500

French Fluorspar and Ormolu Clock Garniture

Located in New Orleans, LA

This beautiful French clock garniture, styled in the Louis XV taste, is a charming work of artistry and craftsmanship. Crafted of richly veined and brightly-hued fluorspar mounted wi...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rococo Mantel Clocks

Materials

Stone, Bronze

French Fluorspar and Ormolu Clock Garniture

$29,850

Vintage 1970s Japanese Industrial Wall Clocks

Materials

Cut Steel, Steel

1970s Seiko Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Steel Quartz Wall Clock, Pink

$212 / item

1980s Citizen Japanese Blue Steel Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Quartz Clock

Located in Leicester, Leicestershire

Citizen super tanker slave clock original blue finish. A reclaimed and restored maritime slave clock also called secondary clock of superior build quality. These clocks were us...

Category

Vintage 1980s Japanese Industrial Wall Clocks

Materials

Chrome, Cut Steel, Steel

1980s Citizen Japanese Blue Steel Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Quartz Clock

$258 Sale Price / item

20% Off

1970s British Bronze and Chrome AC GMT Co. Industrial Wall Clock White Dial

By Industrial Design

Located in Leicester, Leicestershire

Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards. At A.C GMT Co. we ...

Category

Vintage 1970s English Industrial Wall Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Steel, Chrome

1970s British Bronze and Chrome AC GMT Co. Industrial Wall Clock White Dial

$304 / item

1970 Seiko Blue and Tobacco Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Steel Quartz Clock

By Seiko

Located in Leicester, Leicestershire

Seiko super tanker slave clock original aqua blue finish A reclaimed and restored maritime slave clock. These clocks were used in great numbers on super tankers, cargo ships an...

Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Industrial Wall Clocks

Materials

Cut Steel, Steel

1970 Seiko Blue and Tobacco Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Steel Quartz Clock

$212 / item

1970 Seiko Blue and Tobacco Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Steel Quartz Clock

By Seiko

Located in Leicester, Leicestershire

Seiko super tanker slave clock original aqua marine green finish A reclaimed and restored maritime slave clock. These clocks were used in great numbers on super tankers, cargo ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Industrial Wall Clocks

Materials

Cut Steel, Steel

1970 Seiko Blue and Tobacco Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Steel Quartz Clock

$212 / item

1970s British Classic Blue & Chrome Ac Gmt Co. Industrial Wall Clock White Dial

By Industrial Design

Located in Leicester, Leicestershire

Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards. At A.C GMT Co. we ...

Category