12/129 Two per turn keywind Fat Cylinder by Nicole Freres circa 1855
Serial No. 32569, Gamme No. 1212
Bought at auction April 2025
This box has an exact twin that belongs to an acquaintance
Initial inspection has revealed ...
The back panel of the case has been replaced with pine
The flap is detached
There is a piece of trim missing from the right had edge of the lid
The hinges are loose (may not be original)
There is no key for the lock.
The lid decoration is in very good condition
The movement runs very slowly
The stop pin is bent
The cylinder sounds out of register, but this may be because of the number of bent pins
There are a few dampers missing - but not many
There are too many bent and missing pins. This is going to need a full re-pin
Original winder present.
This box has an exact twin that belongs to an acquaintance
Initial inspection has revealed ...
The back panel of the case has been replaced with pine
The flap is detached
There is a piece of trim missing from the right had edge of the lid
The hinges are loose (may not be original)
There is no key for the lock.
The lid decoration is in very good condition
The movement runs very slowly
The stop pin is bent
The cylinder sounds out of register, but this may be because of the number of bent pins
There are a few dampers missing - but not many
There are too many bent and missing pins. This is going to need a full re-pin
Original winder present.
Auctioneer's images
The Case
The Movement
Sunday 26th April
I made a start on the restoration today.
First is dismantling and some inspection
I made a start on the restoration today.
First is dismantling and some inspection
The Comb
Note: There are a number of missing dampers
The Gamme no is scratched onto the end lead
Note: There are a number of missing dampers
The Gamme no is scratched onto the end lead
The Governor
All in excellent condition
All in excellent condition
Controls
The Spring Motor
All in excellent condition. No missing or broken parts
All in excellent condition. No missing or broken parts
The Cylinder Arbor
Note: There are four marked screws - all in the wrong place!
Note: There are four marked screws - all in the wrong place!
Smaller parts after cleaning
The Cylinder - after cleaning
It's not good news here. There are too many missing or severely bent pins for this to be viable.
A full re-pin will be necessary being that the movement will be away for at least 12 months.
It's not good news here. There are too many missing or severely bent pins for this to be viable.
A full re-pin will be necessary being that the movement will be away for at least 12 months.
