Redier et Cie Gilt-Brass and Enamel Globe Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1875
This globe clock by Redier et Cie, dating to circa 1875, features an eight-day movement with a cylinder escapement, housed within an enamelled globe. The globe displays coloured continents and longitude lines.
Time is indicated by a blued metal pointer extending from the North Pole, set against a gilt equatorial ring. This ring is embellished with two sets of 12-hour numerals on enamel bosses, interleaved with an engraved band of quarter-hour indicators and a secondary band of 12-hour numerals. The assembly is supported on an inclined axis within a gilt-brass gimbal and set upon a baluster-turned socle and an octagonal red marble plinth.
The movement is wound using a specific two-prong key inserted into the base of the globe and gimbal mechanism. The clock is signed with the maker's monogram and inscription 'REDIER A PARIS 1873.'
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Globe clock
- Dimensions
- 18cm high
- Signatures
- Monogram and text on the globe
- Base material
- Red marble
- Movement type
- eight day movement with cylinder escapement
- Place recorded
- France
- Winding mechanism
- Concealed winding requiring a two-prong key
- Maker / attribution
- Redier et Cie
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt-brass gimbal support with inclined axis • Enamelled globe with visible cartography and longitudinal lines • Two-prong winding key insertion point at the base of the gimbal • Red marble octagonal base
- Mounting and Movement
- The internal eight-day movement utilises a cylinder escapement. The globe is mounted on an inclined axis and held within a gilt-brass gimbal frame. The stability of the globe's position is maintained by a concealed counterweight system. The entire assembly rests on a baluster-turned socle, which is positioned on an octagonal red marble plinth. Winding is facilitated by a two-prong key that enters the base of the gimbal to engage the internal mechanism, allowing the globe to be rotated for the winding process.
- Signatures and Attribution
- The clock is attributed to the Parisian maker Redier et Cie. The object bears a monogram identifying Antoine Redier, positioned within a shield. Further identification is provided by an inscription placed beneath the equatorial ring on the globe itself, reading 'REDIER A PARIS 1873.' Antoine Redier was a recognised clockmaker who obtained multiple patents for time-keeping and recording devices throughout his career.
- Construction and Dial Layout
- The clock is designed as a celestial globe, with the movement contained within the enamelled sphere. The surface of the globe features longitude lines and delineated continents in varying colours. The time-telling mechanism is integrated into an equatorial band made of gilt brass. This band presents two sets of 12-hour numerals fixed on enamel bosses. Between these numerals, the equatorial ring contains two specific bands of engraving: one serving as a marker for quarter-hour intervals and another featuring a series of 12-hour numerals. A blued metal pointer originates from the North Pole of the globe to indicate the time against the equatorial ring.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The internal state of the cylinder escapement is not detailed
- Research required: The functionality of the concealed winding and counterweight system is not verified by current inspection