C.1880, French, "Mystery' Clock with gilded spelter statue and crystal pendulum in restored condition, the statue with evidence of an old repair to ladies leg.

C.1880, French, "Mystery' Clock with gilded spelter statue and crystal pendulum in restored condition, the statue with evidence of an old repair to ladies leg. The black marble base is in nice shape with only minor edge abrasions; retains ormolu feet with bright gilding. The black incised dial with gilt numerals intact. The "mystery' of operation is that the pendulum swings from the statues" arm with no apparent impulse. The base of the statue is actually suspended between two pivots and is free to rotate. The moving pendulum unlocks the escapement at the extreme end of travel and the movement quickly impulses the statue (and hence the pendulum) in the opposite direction and relocks. Many novel French clocks are called mysterious because their method of running is not obvious to the eye, but this style is the first to come to mind when the word Mystery is included. Refer to lot 364 in April sale which sold for $8800. Height 24'