French Animated Musical Painting Clock
This wonderful French animated musical painting clock depicts an active scene in the blacksmith shop of a rural village. To the left in the scene is a farrier hammering on a horseshoe with the assistance of the rider as a dog looks on wagging its tail. Behind them an alleyway leads to the clock tower set against a landscape background. At the right two smiths are hammering alternately at more horseshoes while two others stoke and fan the fire with the bellows. The hammering, tail wagging, and bellows pumping are all animated. The painting itself is well executed in realistic detail and with great play of light.
A mechanical 8-day 2-train movement powers the clock and marks the hour and half-hour with a pleasing gong strike. The animation is also driven by clockwork mechanisms, and the 3″ musical cylinder plays four tunes. The animation and music box are operated at will. The clockwork movement and cylinder music box movement have been fully restored, and this animated clock comes with a one-year warranty.
Animated clocks are among the rarest and most desirable on the market, but one that features music and artistic skill is genuinely extraordinary. Clocks of this caliber were the markers of wealth and status in their day. Only the most affluent of society were likely to possess a clock of such complexity. These mechanical marvels have stood the test of time and still leave us in awe today.
29 1/2″Height x 36″Width x 7 1/2″Depth
Circa 1880
Original Price $32,500