André Romain Guilmet of Paris, France. A figural mystery mantel clock. UU-22.
The very interesting clock was made by André Romain Guilmet of Paris, France, circa 1875. It is categorized as a "Mystery Clock." The mystery being how is the pendulum being impulsed.
This is the largest example of this form that we have seen. It is in very good original condition. The marble base sits on top of a decorative tray and is supported by feet in the form of animal paws. The feet splay outward. Rococo-style cast brass drops hang from the base. This gives the clock an overall lighter appearance. The black marble of Belgium slate is intact and in excellent condition, except for one chip along the lower left base panel. The case is three-dimensionally designed. The front-facing steps out. The level divisions are separated by brass. Gilt bronze handles are mounted to the side of the case. The brass bezel is fitted with glass trimmed with a beveled edge. A French sash frames the black-faced dial. This dial marks the hours with incised gilded Roman numerals. The spade hands are also finished in gilt. At the top of the case is a Woman figure standing aside a young child. They appear to be of Roman origin and have a popular theme for clocks similar to this one. Her right hand is the support for the pendulum. The gilt rod supports a clear glass beveled edge bob. When the clock is running, this bob moves from side to side.
The brass eight-day time and strike movement is spring powered and strikes each hour and once on each half hour on a bell mounted to the back of the movement. The escapement is often called a crank wheel escapement. The backplate is die-stamped with the Guilmet stamp and the number "2244." This movement has been fully serviced and is in excellent working condition.
So how does it work? The pendulum swings to and fro with no obvious impulse when this clock is operating. This is possible because the figure is standing on a platform that turns from side to side. This slight, imperceptible oscillation of the platform is enough to power the pendulum through the suspension spring hanging from the statue's hand. Interestingly, the length of this pendulum still affects the rate of the clock. Surprisingly, the swing arch is quite large. When shown, customers are fascinated by this motion.
The approximate dimensions are as follows: 30 inches tall, 17 inches wide, and 8.75 inches deep.
For additional information about this clockmaker, please read Derek Roberts' book titled \Mystery, Novelty, and Fantasy Clock."
Inventory number UU-22.
André Romain Guilmet was born on the 10th of December 1827 in La Ferté-Gaucher, France. He is best in the world of horology as a manufacturer of mystery clocks and clocks that feature an industrial theme. He is also credited as a watchmaker and inventor. He applied for several patents for designs. One of the more well-known applications relates to the bicycle. It was his idea to put the driving chain below the seat. His most popular "mystery clock" (mysteries with glass pendulum) was that of a woman who held a pendulum in her outstretched hand and arm. She is usually positioned standing on a marble base with a clock below. The pendulum is impulsed by the mechanism underneath her that moves the figure imperceptibly from side to side. The industrial series of clocks features automated clocks in the form of windmills, lighthouses, automobiles, boats, steam hammers, boilers, etc. All of which are excellent quality.
For additional information about this clockmaker, please read Derek Roberts' book titled "Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clock."
