Automaton Armored Cruiser

A rare silvered and gilt brass clockwork automaton model of a French armored cruiser, movement No. 9105. The fanciful rendition is extraordinary in its realistic detail. This depiction of a late 19th century French naval vessel rests on chased brass waves above a green onyx base. The hull encloses key-would clockwork that causes the turret to revolve, the propeller to spin and the rudder to move. The turret holds an aneroid barometer and clock. The twin towers hold Fahrenheit and Centigrade degree scales (lacking thermometers)