Impeccable quality and craftsmanship distinguish this extraordinary Louis XVI-era pendulum skeleton clock. Crafted from doré bronze in a towering, graceful design, the French timepiece is visually and mechanically stunning. The clock's single train movement boasts an exceptionally fine mechanism. The mercury weight-driven movement is an eight-day duration, and the gridiron pendulum on a knife edge suspension is visible behind the elongated frame. Built with beauty in mind, skeleton clocks such as this clearly demonstrate the finer arts of horology.
In addition to a temperature indicator, the clock tells the time on a white enamel clock face with black Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial. It reads
Nulla fluat cujus non meminisse juvet, which translates from the Latin to
May no hour pass which is not a delight to remember.
Skeleton clocks are among the most exceptional and beautiful timepieces ever made, designed specifically to display as much of the working mechanism as possible. These timepieces demanded the highest quality workmanship; French skeleton clocks in particular are known for their refined mechanisms and overall complexity. This specimen is exemplary of the art form and an outstanding find for the clock enthusiast.
Circa 1780
10" diameter x 23 1/2" high
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