C.1890, French Mystery Clock, a Floating Turtle indicating the time, and in good original condition.

C.1890, French Mystery Clock, a Floating Turtle indicating the time, and in good original condition. Note time in image is nearing half past 8 o'clock. This item comes to us as-found from a home in Massachusetts. Whoever put water in the dish was a bit sloppy and dampness has raised the Chinoiserie decoration in some places, plus some paint flaking. Still the well made movement has a jeweled lever platform and is in good running order. You lift the dish and raise the wooden cover to wind the clock; set the time with a smaller key from the side. We sold a Swiss counterpart to this in Nov 2000, lot 367 for $5000. The movement turns a magnet which positions the turtle floating in the pewter dish. See clocks indicating time in this fashion in Derek Roberts' book: Mystery Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, (1999), page 86. Width 11", ht 5"