C.1880, French, "Steam Engine and Flywheel", from the Industrial Series, clock with automated steam pump, in very good original condition

C.1880, French, "Steam Engine and Flywheel", from the Industrial Series, clock with automated steam pump, in very good original condition . This clock has a large flywheel with piston and governor on top which are driven by a substantial movement housed in the base. There are 2 basic versions of this clock, this early version, also pictured in Derek Roberts' book: Mystery Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, (1999), page 265, fig 22-27, where there are no fireboxes nor steam lines, and the later version, which we sold in April 1999, lot 359 (hammer price $26,000). At some point the company changed the design to include a circular stabilizer around the governor, however, our clock never had this feature. Our lot also has a brass base while later models utilize marble. An Aneroid barometer to the left and thermometers flanking the piston cylinder. A very eye catching piece during operation. Height 16 1/2"