English 19th Century Hand Painted Automaton Clock

A lacquered brass and painted tôle automaton clock, English, composite. 2¾-inch silvered dial beneath an aperture with automaton forge scene, the associated and earlier two train fusee movement with anchor escapement, shaped plates and rack striking on a bell, the rectangular case with brass carrying handle and painted to the front and sides with naive rural scenes, on brass bracket feet.

This clock appears to have been made up by an amateur, probably in the late 19th century. The earlier and associated movement has previously had a different dial, the movement has been fully serviced. The automaton mechanism is fully functional with the Blacksmith striking the anvil and the male customer shaking hands.

The naive painting of the case is a key feature of this clock depicting what appears to be an elopement with a young woman in period costume slipping out the side gate of a large country estate whilst her lover waits for her by their getaway coach. With original pendulum.

Provenance: Property removed from Fenton House and sold on behalf of the 7th Earl of Durham

Height 29cms, Width 18.5cms, Depth 16.5 cms.

$6,500