Automat - Clockwork Rotisserie Spit

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Antique French Clockwork Rotisserie Spit Jack (Tourne-Broche / Le Capucin) – 19th Century

Rare and authentic 19th-century French clockwork rotisserie spit jack, known as a tourne-broche or Le Capucin, used for automatically turning roasting meat in front of an open fireplace.

Constructed from heavy cast iron with brass fittings, the machine stands on decorative lion paw feet and retains its original clockwork mechanism. The spit is driven by a spring-powered gear train housed within the cast-iron case. Once wound, the mechanism automatically rotates the spit, ensuring even cooking without manual intervention.

This example features a square drive spindle for the spit, adjustable front controls, a substantial internal gear train, and a carrying handle on the top. The interior mechanism remains present and visible. Such roasting jacks were an essential part of affluent European kitchens before the introduction of modern cooking appliances.

A highly decorative and increasingly sought-after piece of culinary and domestic history, suitable for collectors of antique kitchen equipment, fireplace accessories, mechanical devices, or country-house antiques.

Condition
Good antique condition with age-related wear, oxidation, and traces of historical use. The mechanism appears substantially complete. Sold as a collectible antique; functionality has been tested.

Origin: France
Period: 19th century (circa 1850–1880)
Material: Cast iron and brass
Dimensions: approximately 36 × 24 × 20 cm
Weight: approximately 7 kg

A rare survivor of early mechanical cooking technology and an impressive decorative object with strong display appeal.

Description written by ChatGPT