Automaton Submarine

A rare silvered and gilt brass clockwork automaton model of a French submarine. This piece is extraordinary in its realistic detail. This depiction of a late 19th century French naval vessel rests on chased brass waves on a green onyx base. The hull encloses key-wound 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 thermometers with Fahenheit and Centigrade scales.