C.1850, French, Musical Automaton Church clock, less dome.

C.1850, French, Musical Automaton Church clock, less dome. This is a rare item and the first we have seen in 30+ years of collecting. The brightly gilded ormolu (original) depicts an entire village, with bridge, moat, 3 houses and a mill. At one time the mill had a water wheel, which is now absent. Within the base are two movements, a well made cylinder music box that plays hymn-like tunes, and on the left a spring motor that powers three [3] bands of moving people, two bands over the top bridge and a single band on the lower bridge. It does appear that the green paint on the church is a later addition, however the other bronze and blue verdigris appear to have been there a long time. The clock itself occupies the large round "window" over the nave of the church, and is a well made silk thread movement (needs a pendulum, which is an easy task). Note unique "arrow" hands and fancy cast bezel; porcelain dial is fine. There is fine detail on all structures. Large and heavy. Width 19.5Ó height 25Ó $8,000-$12,000