Steamhammer Industrial Novelty clock, Guilmet

A late 19th century French silver-plated and lacquered brass industrial novelty clock by Guilmet.

The design of the clock is modeled on a steam hammer with the piston cylinder at the top. The complex pendulum has a vertical rise-and-fall movement as opposed to side-to-side.

Between the legs of the case frame is a silvered anvil above which the hammer rises and falls. The platform to the left is for the operator who would have released the hammer.

The case has matt finish silver-plated panels, bordered with angled lacquered brass edging.

The case is raised on a black slate base with brass feet.

The 3 inch square silvered dial with applied Roman numerals and pierced moon hands,

The 8-day movement strikes on a bell, and is stamped  ‘MEDAILLE D’OR/GLT/BTF SGDG/PARIS/919’ for Guilmet and ‘JAPY FRERES’

André Romain Guilmet produced many industrial clocks from the mid 1870s until circa 1910. The Steam Hammer was introduced circa 1880. Most Guilmet movements are numbered with his own numbering series and also bear the stamp of the blank movement supplier, in this case Japy Freres. Many of his clocks incorporate a figure or object within the clock movement, or in some a separate movement is incorporated within the design to drive an automaton.

• Height: 18 inches (45.7 cm.)
• Width:  12 inches (30.5 cm.)
• Depth: 5½ inches (14 cm.)

In excellent condition, overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years.