A black marble and gilt spelter crystal pendulum mystery mantel clock, André Romain Guilmet, French, circa 1885

4-inch black marble dial with incised gilt roman numerals, bell striking movement No.1203 stamped GLT (for Guilmet) with crank wheel escapement, the black marble plinth case with gilt-brass lion mask handles and paw feet, the whole surmounted by a gilt spelter figure of a  young woman wearing a revealing Classical dress holding aloft the crystal bob pendulum which oscillates without apparent connection to the movement

Movement looks clean and appears to be running at time of cataloguing, figure re-gilded, marble case generally good with just some very minor edge chips; with crystal pendulum and winder
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

A.R.Guilmet took out a patent in France for crystal pendulum mystery clocks on 30th October 1867. Guilmet clocks have a consecutive sequence of serial numbers for the movements and a separate sequence for the figures and plinths on which they stand; the number on the figure and plinth for this clock is 794.