French Waterwheel Clock

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French Waterwheel Clock

About the Item

This extraordinary French Industrial timepiece is absolutely captivating in both its mechanical complexity and intricate artistry. The clock is a marvel of French ingenuity, constructed to resemble a waterwheel in homage to the Industrial advancements that swept through Europe during the 19th century. The star of the automaton is the bronze turning paddle wheel, which powers the three-wheel movement with the help of diminutive steel balls. These balls are dropped onto the rotating wheel at a rate of one per minute by a bronze conveyor belt, which is driven by a barrel movement mounted in the base. After a ball completes its rotation, it is guided back to the conveyor through a series of three ramps and begins its journey to the top once again. The time is displayed with Roman numerals on a glass dial, allowing one to see through to the stunning workings of the movement. The clock is joined by other bronze instruments, including a barometer and thermometer, all of which are set into the handsome rosewood base. Truly a mechanical wonder, the exhibition-quality timepiece is virtually identical to a design exhibited at the Exposition Universelle of 1900, which was illustrated in La Revue Chronométrique that same year. Industrial clocks such as this, incorporating precision timekeeping with a mechanically-inspired automaton, are extremely popular with collectors. Of excellent proportion and superb craftsmanship, this clock is among the best on the market. A very similar waterwheel clock is currently in the collection of the Musée de l'Horlogerie in Geneva, while another can be found in the collection of the Time Museum in Chicago. A nearly identical clock is illustrated on page 72 of Mystery, Novelty, and Fantasy Clocks, 1999, by D. Roberts and on page 92 of French Clock the World Over, 1981, by Tardy. circa 1900.

Dimensions:
Height: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Width: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Depth: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)
Style:
Industrial (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Glass
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1900
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 30-70851stDibs: LU89119419873

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