Farcot Swinging Cherub 8 Day Striking Clock c.1880

£2400

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A superb swinging cherub clock under a glass dome with an ebonised base c.1880. The clock features a seated cherub that swings back and forth, unlike the conventional side to side movement of the pendulum. The clock has retained its original fire gilding, which is in exceptional condition.

 

The French eight-day countwheel movement strikes the half and hours on a bell. The clock is signed Eschapment Brevete and is numbered 86228. The escapement designed by Eugène Farcot (1830-1896) features two escape wheels and semi-circular pallets which allow the cherub to swing front to back.

 

As well as being a prolific inventor, Farcot was a pioneer balloonist. During the siege of Paris (1870-1871) he piloted the balloon monte (balloon mail). Circumnavigating the siege carrying mail, government dispatches, and 8 carrier pigeons, he flew for 3 hours. He finally landed in Belgium, and was the first French aeronaut to do so. [Source: Wilfrid de Fonvielle, “Eugène Farcot”, L’Aéronaute].

 

The movement has been overhauled, and comes with a two-year guarantee.