Pictures

Unmarked time only French Figural clock, possible late 19th, c.

This is an interesting French figural clock. The clock and the movement are both unmarked. The round brass movement is time only and has a simple recoil escapement and is generally in the style of the French maker Marti. The back bezel glass is missing and had previously been replaced with a piece of clear plastic. The movement has the serial number 1514. The case is of tin and cast iron that has been painted gold or gilded. This clock came to the shop reportedly in running order but with one of the windmill blades broken off and lost and one of the previously replaced back legs broken off. A replacement blade for the windmill was cast from epoxy using a clay mold and then painted. It was backed with a metal strip and attached with JB Weld and painted gold. On closer inspection it was discovered that the suspension spring was not original and too wide to allow the rate adjuster to operate. Both back legs were apparently too short causing the clock to tilt backward and when the pendulum was lowered to where it would keep time it would scrape the table below. The replacement back legs were extended to level the clock, the suspension spring ground down to the correct width, and the pendulum adjusted to keep time. The movement was not serviced but ran well. It seems a bit strange to be able to see the pendulum swinging below the clock which raises the question of whether this may not be the original movement.

If anyone recognizes this cute little clock or has information about who may have made it or when I appreciate hearing from you.


Not for sale
(returned to owner after service)

The information on this page is believed to the writer to be correct at the date of posting but is presented with no guarantee expressed or implied. Pictures were a true representation of this clock at the time of posting but may not be current. Please contact me if you believe that any of the above information is incorrect, or if you wish to share additional information, or discuss this clock.

Unless otherwise credited, the pictures and information on this page are the property of Robert H Croswell & Greenfield Clock shop, 4180 Main Street, Trappe, MD 21673 and may not be sold or used for commercial purposes without permission. © 2019

email:  bobby@greenfieldclockshop.com