The story

8-day movement with half hour striking, gilt and patinated bronze case incorporating a barometer, thermometer and compass.

8.5-cm chapter ring with Arabic numerals, gilt centre and blued hands, 8-day spring-driven movement with lever escapement, rack half hour striking on a bell, placed in a bronze locomotive, the boiler with aneroid barometer and funnel applied with thermometer and compass, the wheel driven by a separate mechanism with a duration of circa 2 hours, placed on a rectangular black marble base with brass feet and rails.

The French firm of Guilmet made a series of clocks with a industrial theme. The designs celebrating the accomplishments of the industrial revolution. A range of steamhammers, lighthouses, boilers, steamengines etc were made. The larger models often with automata like this one. One of the largest and most striking models is this train. It looks realistic and very nice when the wheels with their excentric beams are turning. A definite conversation piece. The former owner inherited this fine piece from his grandfather who purchased the clock when new.

For further information and illustrations read; Derek Roberts, Mystery, Novelty & Fantasy Clocks, Atglen PA  USA, 1999, pp. 253- 270.