Double Ship’s Wheel and Capstan “Mystery” Clock – 1880
£4,850.00
A particularly fine and imaginative late 19th century French novelty clock, conceived in the fully developed maritime taste so fashionable during the Third Republic. Constructed entirely in brass with a rich bronzed finish, the piece takes the form of a double ship’s wheel mounted fore and aft, the whole supported upon a substantial bollard-type capstan base. To one side is a circular time dial; to the reverse, a full-size barometer; surmounted above, a compass. The entire assembly stands approximately 11½ inches (29.2 cm) in height and remains in excellent condition.
The ingenuity of the design lies not only in its nautical symbolism but in its mechanical presentation. The twin wheels frame a central revolving body mounted upon a bronzed capstan which turns smoothly and decisively, regulated by pronounced click-work to either side. By grasping the bronzed bars, the owner may rotate the instrument to display either the time or the barometric reading, much as one would handle the steering gear of a vessel. The movement is not wound from the dial side, nor by rotation of the assembly itself — a detail which contributes to the “mystery” designation. Instead, access is gained discreetly by removing the barometer dial and bezel to reach the clock movement concealed behind.
Such objects were typically produced in Paris workshops specialising in high-grade novelty and industrial art pieces, often intended for a gentleman’s study, a yacht club interior, or as a presentation piece connected with maritime pursuits. The combination of clock, barometer and compass reflects both scientific curiosity and decorative bravura — a confident expression of 19th-century fascination with navigation and mechanical display.
In both conception and execution this example stands as a particularly engaging synthesis of decorative ingenuity and functional horology — a conversation piece of genuine mechanical substance rather than mere ornament.
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