Fascinating and rare automaton, champlevé enamel bollard mantel timepiece, by H. Doninelli and A.R. Guilmet, France c. 1880

No 163. A fascinating and rare automaton, champlevé enamel bollard mantel timepiece, by H. Doninelli and A.R. Guilmet, France circa 1880.

This clock is particularly well executed and displays a remarkable range of information. This industrial timepiece is an imaginative rotating lantern. Between four enamel decorated columns are two Guilmet clock dials with Roman numerals, two more dials one to display the temperature, another dial to display the barometric pressure. The clock has an 8 day movement. On top is a compass. Above this compass is a fascinating arch executed in the champlevé enamel technique The clock is equipped with navigation symbols: a buoy and anchor, pulley and coiled rope. The base is of green onyx. Signature: H. Doninelli, 36 Avenue De La Gare, Nice. H 53 cm, diameter 24 cm.
Literature Derek Roberts: Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, page 257 (an identical timepiece) and page 259.
Price on request.