Industrial clock in the form of a capstan (c. 1880 France)

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Derek Roberts. Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks.Pages 257 & 259

D 199. A fine Industrial clock in the form of a capstan made to the higher standard often applied to clocks made for export market to the Far East, being extensively decorated with coloured enamels. Circa 1880. It is signed by the retailer J.Ullman; Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tientsin.

The upper part of this clock, which revolves, has five dials in all, two for the clock and one each for the barometer and thermometer, all of which have coloured enamel dial centres and also the compass on top with, of course, the hand always pointing in the same direction. Above the compass is a cupola, cut out on all four sides and decorated primarily in blue enamel with reds, pinks, yellow and blue. Above it is a brass finial. Between the upper and lower halves of the clock is a band of enamel coloured in a similar manner.

The lower part of the clock has a line wound around it with and also an anchor, a davit and a lifebelt. The whole rests on an attractive green onyx base.

Height. 21.5". (53.5cms.) £8,750.

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