RARE MONASTIC LANTERN CLOCK (NEW ENTRY) - Working

These time-counting machines were placed in the hallways of monasteries to signal the hours of religious services, both day and night. The large wrought-iron bell has several sound tones ranging from very loud to delicate, the hammer strikes inside the bell in a slow and rhythmic manner. Of particular note is the night function which, via a lever, silences the clock. The clock's structure is made of oak wood adorned with polished brass applications on the three pediments; the large dial, worked and engraved with a burin, represents the sea with tritons (in Greek mythology, the Tritons were the sons of the sea god Triton), then there are pomegranates representing the earth and life surrounded by racemes and unique flowers; in the three cymas, instead, are set religious symbols typical of these clocks. The four pinnacles in forged and polished brass are very particular. The large bell is supported by brass rods with a top pinnacle. Onion-shaped feet constricted in forged and polished brass. On the back, there is access to the mechanism through a large door that reveals the machine and the large lever of the bell hammer to avoid vibrations. Here we can observe a particular brass counterweight that is also a key holder. The machine, entirely in brass, is wound for seven days with toothed barrels that drive the time train and the chime train. The escapement is anchor with small gear. The pendulum, of small dimensions, is driven by a metal suspension. On the front, the brass-plated copper mask hides a secret. In fact, by disassembling it (a very complex operation), we see the dating of the clock (1847) and the monograms of who built the clock and the number of (few) pieces executed. The clock is signed in the counter-mask "Gimilini Nantes". These types of clocks have an archaic and mysterious aspect but at the same time they are elegant and of excellent workmanship. The artifact is preserved in perfect condition, working and of good precision. Extreme rarity France (Nantes) – Dated 1847 Measurements: height cm. 38 – width cm. 20 – depth cm. 20