C.1890, French, "Bras en L'Air" Novelty timepiece in very good condition.

C.1890, French, "Bras en L'Air" Novelty timepiece in very good condition. The case is in the form of a gowned lady standing within an ormolu arch against an enamel background, and raising her arms to indicate the time on two flanking enamel chapter sectors (hours at left, minutes to the right, arms fall when they reach the top). The rectangular plated movement with platform escapement (cylinder), contained in a rectangular marble base, dark variegated green, with ormolu mounts. The base has a front to back glue repair (well done) and the feet have been glued on as well; minute track is perfect; hour track has a crack through the numeral 10 (difficult to see). A similar clock, with white marble base sold at Sotheby's Meraux sale, June 28, 1993, lot 81 for $12,075, and further information may be found in Derek Roberts' book: Mystery Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, (1999), page 93. Height 17"