A very rare English gilt bronze ‘mysterious circulator’ by Frodsham London, circa 1900

Description

The chapter ring

The 25.5-cm engraved silvered chapter ring has Roman numerals and is signed Charles Frodsham Clockmaker to the King 115 New Bondstreet London No. 2187. The finely cast and chiseled foliate hand has a fleur-des-lys tip and sunflower centre.

The case

The chapter ring is held up by two finely cast and chiseled ormolu serpents with entwined tails. These tails hold up the hand. Placed on a rectangular white marble base with ormolu leaf border raised on bun feet.

The movement

The movement is housed in the back of the hand and has a duration of thirty hours. It is regulated by a lever escapement and is similarly signed. It turns a counter weight which causes the large hand to turn without any apparent connection.