An attractive, antique, late 19th century, nickel plated and lacquered brass, French novelty desk compendium in the form of an anchor, comprising clock, barometer and thermometer, c1890

Desk companion with drum-cased clock and barometer, the clock with good French 8-day carriage clock movement with platform escapement, serial no. “1756,” 2½” enamel dial with roman chapter ring, blued-steel hands set under bevelled glass; the matching barometer with meteorologically annotated enamel dial having a scale from 25–31 inches of mercury.

The instruments, in nickel-plated brass cases with ormolu bezels, removable back covers, and wrapped in ormolu ropes, arranged left and right about the shaft having thermometer with brass register, twin scales, Fahrenheit and Reaumur 20°–140° and 0°–50° respectively. The well-observed nickel-plated brass anchor with fluke, shaft, crown, stock and articulating eye fouled by ormolu brass ropes. The whole mounted upon a brass and ebony base.

The clock and barometer cleaned and serviced, retaining much original finish. Replacement key.

Like the French Industrial Series, such novelty clocks and desk compendia, dating from around 1880, are very popular and highly collectable. This instrument is a decorative – and useful – addition to any desk.