(CLOCK) Robert Houdin Jean Eugène Fine glass column single h

Sale 2159 - Lot 32

Unsold

Estimate: $ 25,000 - $ 35,000

RARE CLOCK BY ROBERT-HOUDIN (CLOCK.) Robert-Houdin, Jean Eugène. Fine glass column single-handed clock, with two-bell striking movement and roman numbered face, base of glass column resting on a decorative bowl with four griffins, below which is the original faded velvet covered wooden base; at the back are the holes for winding, regulation and hand-setting. Glass face marked "Robert Houdin," works stamped "Robert Houdin Paris." 22 inches tall. Paris, circa 1855

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Additional Details

The early glass dialed clocks by Robert-Houdin are intriguing in that there is no visible means by which the hand(s) are advanced. This rare example also has the added mystery of no connection between the dial and the movement.
The mystery of the working of this clock is solved by having an outer stationary glass column which supports the dial assembly and an inner rotating glass column with gears applied to its top and bottom of the column, thus providing a link between the movement below and the gilded brass bezel above. Concealed within the bezel is an extremely fine wheel which is mounted to the edge of the circular glass plate on which the hour hand is mounted. The glass dial bearing the numerals is mounted in front of this.