A 19th-century French-made skeleton clock with exhibition-style plates constructed on a miniature scale. This clock features a Time & Alarm movement. 225166.

 

This attractive skeleton clock is a true miniature, standing just 10 inches tall to the top of its glass dome. Its base measures 6 inches wide by 4.25 inches deep, making it both compact and visually impressive.

This popular model was originally designed in 1850 and showcased at both the 1851 Crystal Palace Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, London, and the 1855 Paris Exhibition. The bottom plate bears the inscription, “Ms. Honorable EXP Paris London.” This skeleton clock quickly gained acclaim for its innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship, reportedly selling thousands of units during these renowned exhibitions.

The oval-shaped wooden base is veneered in ebony and inlaid with two brass parallel lines. The platform is elevated on three wooden, bracket-style feet. A small stepped platform is covered in white cloth. The glass dome sits atop this. This dome serves as a dust cover, protecting the mechanism from dust and other contaminants. It also lets one view the clock and its movement from all angles. 

A-shaped brass plates frame movement and are secured to the base platform. The front plate is beautifully engraved with floral motifs. The frame supports the hardened-steel shafts and brass gearing. This is a single-train design that also features an alarm. The alarm is located under the base and is wound by pulling on the cord on the right side of the case. You set the alarm by turning the alarm disk in the center of the dial with the pull cord on the base's right side. This is a twelve-hour alarm, meaning it must be set once daily. The pendulum swings behind the movement. A silk-thread escapement supports the pendulum at the back of the works. The base bob is decorated with an engraved detail. The adjustment for the pendulum rate is located at the top of the front frame. The adjustment is made by turning the wheel in the appropriate direction. 

The enamel time dial features Roman-style hour numerals and a minute ring segmented by dashes. The center of this is the location of the alarm disk. The hands are made from steel and are well-formed.

This clock was made circa 1885 and will run for eight days when fully wound.

The clock case is approximately 9.5 inches tall with the dome, 6 inches wide at the base, and 4 inches deep. 

Inventory number 225166.

 

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  • A 19th-century French-made skeleton clock with exhibition-style plates constructed on a miniature scale. This clock features a Time & Alarm movement. 225166.
  • A 19th-century French-made skeleton clock with exhibition-style plates. 225166.
  • French-made skeleton clock constructed on a miniature scale. 225166.