C.1880, French, Uncommon Mystery Timepiece, the clock contained in a drum suspended from two parallel chains, held aloft by a female statue.

C.1880, French, Uncommon Mystery Timepiece, the clock contained in a drum suspended from two parallel chains, held aloft by a female statue. Condition: somewhere along the line the 2 suspension springs got broken, and someone substituted string or silk; it does provide for the basic mechanics, but movement would run more reliably if you made new steel ones. Movement has a new bushing for the verge; rest original. The original finish on the statue is in good condition; with some pits and raised spots where oxidation is working under the paint -- just enough to reassure you of the originality. The red brass dial has turned dark and someone used a dental tool to brighten the numbers; should receive professional dial attention. We sold a smaller cousin to this in the Nov '08 sale for just under 10,000. Ht 29"