Electric Skeleton Clock

Electric clocks made by Paul Garnier during this early period are exceedingly rare. This is one of only a handful made by Garnier at the time and represents a milestone in Garnier's formulation of his 1847 patent. Although this clock is unsigned, the movement and other details are identical to a clock sold at Christies in 1998 which was signed Paul Garnier, Hger. De la Marine. A drawing of the identical movement is in a publication circa 1845-1850 which is credited to Garnier.

Paul Garnier was one France's most important and celebrated electrical horologists. His company was an early entry into railway time and electric synchronization. He was granted a patent in 1847 "pour horloge dispersant l'action electrique a un nombre illumite d'horologes.” He first exhibited his patented timepiece in the 1849 Paris Exhibition for which he received a Gold Medal.