Beschreibung:

A fine French musical automaton picture clock clock movement probably by N. F. Janvier, Paris, mid 19th century The eight-day outside countwheel gong striking movement stamped in an oval reserve JANVIER, A PARIS to frontplate and with 2.25 inch circular convex white Roman numeral dial with repeat signature to lower edge, the rear case panel fitted with a small cylinder music box movement playing a choice of two airs via a 2.5 inch pinned cylinder on a tuned steel comb mounted within brass bed, with pull-wind line and start/stop levers fitted to the lower right hand rear corner of the case, front with mixed media (gouache heightened stipple engraving) image of a busy courtyard within a riverside town incorporating the clock dial to church tower and seventeen automaton actions including cow being milked, a duck bobbing in a pond, five chickens pecking, a waterwheel rotating, a goat feeding on a shrub, a blacksmith striking an anvil and a windmill turning, all operated from behind via an elaborate system of wooden pulleys and wire levers powered by a spring-driven motor also mounted within the right hand edge of the case, the image with printed signature CH. RIVIERE to lower left and measuring 55 cm (21.5ins) high, 73cm (28.75ins) wide; the case 81cm (32ins) high, 99cm (39ins) wide overall.N.F. Janvier is noted in Hayard, Michel ANTIDE JANVIER 1751-1835 as working circa 1830. IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS Movements, dials and cases: movements and dials are described as relating to the cases in which they are housed in one of the following three ways: the case.... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial started life in the current case. in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are in a case of correct period and type (and may well be original to the movement and dial), however there is evidence to suggest that they may not have started out life together. now in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are no longer in the original case or one of correct period and/or type. , weights, winding and case keys: unless specifically indicated otherwise in the catalogue description it can be assumed that all clocks with cases are sold with the requisite pendulum and correct number of weights (where appropriate), however we cannot guarantee that they are original to the clock. We do not indicate in the catalogue description whether winding or case keys are present with any specific clock. As many clocks are consigned without keys please check with the department to establish whether they are present or not prior to bidding. : due to the mechanical nature of clocks and the fact that most are of great age we cannot offer any guarantee as to whether they are in working order or free from major faults or restoration. Although we endeavour to catalogue items in a fair and informed manner, omission of any comments or observations regarding the condition or originality of a clock in the description does not necessarily indicate that it is free from significant faults, restoration or is in working condition. We would strongly advise any prospective purchaser to view the item in person or request a condition report and/or further images prior to bidding. : dial measurements are given in inches, other dimensions such as height are given in centimetres and inches. The measurement given for the height of a longcase clock excludes any removable finials in order to provide an approximate minimum ceiling height in which the clock can be accommodated. Condition report disclaimer