Pictures

Japy Freres, 8 day 4-column French Empire portico clock, circa 1885

This clock has a typical French round count wheel 8-day spring powered brass movement. The pendulum is quite large. The original porcelain dial has a few hairlines but is otherwise quite nice. I have seen these clocks listed from 1875 to 1900 and can't be sure just when this one was made. The movement does have a serial number of 1802 which is not the date.

The clock arrived at the clock shop for service in nonworking condition. It was soon discovered that someone had attempted to clean the clock without disassembling it, most likely with a water-based cleaner that caused severe rusting of the barreled main springs. After a proper cleaning and typical service the clock was still reluctant to run properly. It was subsequently discovered that someone had filled the hollow pendulum with scraps of lead, old hardware, and scraps of lead solder. Once the junk was removed the clock ran properly and was returned to the owner.



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. © 2016
email:  bobby@greenfieldclockshop.com