Lighthouse Table Clock by Andre Romain Guilmet, Paris around 1880

Created by André Romain Guilmet in Paris around 1880, this lighthouse clock is a stunning piece made of bronze and copper with silvered sections. The clock operates with an eight-day mechanism housed at the top, resembling a lighthouse, and features a barometer located opposite the rotating top section. Around each dial, there is a thermometer, one for Celsius and one for Fahrenheit. The clock's rotating mechanism is driven by a gear shaft and winding mechanism located at the base.

This clock can be found in various forms: fully silvered bronze with gilt details, a gilt case with silvered details, a patinated case with silvered and polished bronze details, and polished bronze with silvered details. Of particular note is the depiction of a lighthouse within the platform, featuring a track and decorative railings around it. The tower is intricately cast with stone, doors, and windows. Although this example lacks evidence of gilding or silvering on the larger case, it is suggested that it is one of the polished bronze cases. However, traces of silvering can be seen on the trim, windows, and doors.

The clock bears the name of the retailer M.S. Smith & Co, Detroit, indicating that it was sent to the United States for sale during the Gilded Age, catering to the wealthy class. M.S. Smith & Co was originally established in 1870 as a clock company, later becoming a silver and jewelry trade company in 1889, operating until 1895.

Creator: André Romain Guilmet (maker)
Dimensions: Height: 17 inches (43.18 cm), Diameter: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Materials and Techniques: Bronze, copper, glass
Place of Origin: France
Period: Late 19th century
Date of Manufacture: 1880