This single hand Mystery Clock could be attributed to Robert-Houdin. The clock tells time with no apparent connection between the hand and the base. Robert-Houdin’s name (along with Paris) is etched on the movement and the parts appear correct for the time period in which Robert-Houdin was making these pieces. David Walter, a Fellow of the British Horological Society, and a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers of London, England, who is one of the world’s greatest clock creators evaluated the clock and knowlegable in genuine Robert-Houdin mystery clocks of this type said, "This clock is very well made, and could be from Robert-Houdin’s workshop or from the workshop of one of his high-end contemporaries. (Robert-Houdin’s clocks were widely copied, even in his lifetime.) Based on the materials, the style and type of machine work and hand craftsmanship, it could have been made at any time from circa 1850 to circa 1900, but 1910 is too late. The painted “Robert-Houdin” on one of the glass disks is worn due to over-enthusiastic cleaning.The engraved “Robert Houdin” on the rear clockwork plate is from a later date. It is not unknown for genuine pieces to have “lilly gilding” like this added by later sellers.The brass bracket that holds the clock safely to its base is not contemporaneous, but is very well made. It uses only original screw holes in the clock so it does not detract in any way. Condition: Very Good. The clock keeps time and chimes but is in need of adjustment.