Louis Philippe Automaton

A rare mid-19th century French Louis Philippe musical automaton framed wall clock

A picturesque and highly decorative example of a rare mid-19th century French Louis Philippe musical automaton framed wall clock. A 5-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals in a hand painted church behind houses with an automaton watermill and windmill, with papier Mache 3D hills in the foreground with metal staircase supports. Cotton clothing hung out to dry from windows of buildings made from card/papier Mache. The background scene of a boat filled river is also all hand painted. Both the windmill and water mills move as does the boat rock back and forth on the waves. With 2 different tunes that can be played by mechanical clockwork movement from the side once the string is pulled. The clock would have originally had hands attached to it what would have moved and told the time at one point (these are no longer present). In overall good condition and working fine, a rare thing in our humble opinion.

Dimensions in inches: H 24” x W 26” x D 7”
Age: mid-19th Century
Origin: France
Condition: Good

This item shows natural wear and aging with faded surfaces paint and lost detail but in overall good condition for its age and in working order without mechanical fault. The clock in the diorama doesn’t have hands and as a result doesn’t work. The glass is original as is the frame. An item that has stood the test of time and still in overall good working condition as shown.

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For multiple years we have sold antique items globally, please expect our items to show relevant age and natural wear, Items only restored due to breaks and major loss, and we always stipulate this in our condition report.