Automaton Beam Engine Clock by Andre Guilmet

A novelty mantel clock in the form of an industrial beam engine by Andre Romain Guilmet, dating from circa 1878 and numbered 196 and signed by Giulmet.

The eight day movement is surmounted by a beam that forms the upper part of of a compound pendulum and thus continually rocks to and fro, giving the impression that the beam is pumping the pistons on either side of the clock dial. These still retain their original butterfly brocot suspension springs. At the centre of the beam the compound pendulum X-suspension operates in the same manner as a hairspring – it generates the return force to bring the beam back in the opposite direction to its swing, to be impulsed by the brocot escapement.

The brass case is silver plated and patinated to give an industrial appearance, with polished brass details mounted on a black marble base.

The industrial clock series started in circa 1875 and ran until approximately 1910. This model is one of the earliest made numbered 196 and signed by Guilmet. Pleasingly, this clock has an earlier serial number than those found by Derek Roberts in his research published in Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks.

André Romain Philéas Guilmet was an obsessive inventor who took out many patents for designs, both horological and others. It was Guilmet who in 1868, in collaboration with Edouard Meyer, first placed a driving chain on a bicycle, set below the seat to drive the rear wheels, and so produced the first bicycle powered in the method that is standard on all machines.

Guilmet is recorded as not just an horologer, but also a bijoutier (jeweller) and doreur (gilder). Under the entry for Doreurs in the 1861 almanach he is described thus: horologer, bijouterie, orfeverie argentes de la maison Christolfe, Fbg-St. Martin, 103 et 108; an horologer, jeweller and silversmith supplying the well-known Parisian jewellers and silversmiths, the Maison Christolfe; The additional entry under Horologers describing him as a clockmaker only. Guilmet was an active member of the Chambre Syndicale, along with A.H. Rodanet, Paul Garnier and other well-known horologists. (Derek Roberts).

This is an automaton clock of the highest calibre.

This clock comes with our two year guarantee.

20.5cm W x 9cm D x 19cm H