A FRENCH LUNARIUM
Signed Delamarche, 25 rue Serpente, Paris, circa 1890
The geared brass armature supporting the 3” globe, from a brass upright rising from the burr walnut base, with oval enamel panel, showing the months and seasons, with the equinoxes and solstices, a hand-winding crank to one corner, the mechanism with finely cut wheel work and high pinion count
The case: 23cm square; the armature: 40cm long
Bidding ended. Lot is unsold.
For a complete example, see the Royal Museums, Greenwhich, ref AST 1076.
Another signed E, Ducretet & Cie, Paris, is at the University of Coimbra, Portugal.
Another by Delamarche, sold Bonhams 20 January 2010, lot 649.
CONDITION REPORT
This item is incomplete and not working. It requires sympathetic restoration. The candle arm and reflecting disc are lacking, as is the moon. Various contrate wheels are either sheared of their teeth or missing and will require re-making.
