Posted 8 years ago
carolina824
(1 item)
Antique French Mantel Pendulum Clock Set with Candelabras. The clock is 19 inches high by 9 inches wide, the candelabras are 19 inches high by 8 1/4 inches wide. Materials are dark green marble with bronze accents. Marked with the number 2550 on bottom of clock. The pieces are all VERY heavy. Purchased at an Estate auction on Long Island several years ago. It needs the big hand on the front of the clock but otherwise the set is in excellent condition. If anyone knows anything about this clock, it's maker or history we would love to hear from you.
That's really a beautiful Garniture Clock Set. Records for antique French Clocks are pretty sparse and IDs can be hard to come by. Some of the larger movement manufacturers had stamps on the back plates and, if present, it should be visible without removing the movement. That might also give some general idea of how old the clock is, but it probably won't tell you much about the clock maker. If you can add a well lit photo of the back of the movement, that might help French Clock Collectors. Hope that helps a little. (The little thrones are a neat touch too.) Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Bruce, that is helpful. I did take a few more photos of the back and the inside movement. All I see is a number stamped on the inside, no names. would be a clue to the maker? I will try to add this photo to my post.
I should have said the number stamped inside is 12253 in case you are unable to read it. The little "thrones" are actually brass candle holders that seem to match.
Carolina824, it looks like your clock has a "Brocot" suspension which would suggest that it's from the mid-19th century. You can search for images of the Brocot Suspension on the net to confirm this. In addition to the manufacturer's serial number, it looks like there is a stamp/logo which might help.
See this reference for more information and some examples:
http://www.nawcc-index.net/Articles/Dean-french.pdf
Does the clock still have it's cup bell and pendulum? Does it still run? It's a beautiful decorative piece just as it is, but I think it's really nice when they can still do what they were made to do.
Please let us know what you discover. Thanks.
Thanks for your help Bruce. I obviously have more research to do on this clock set. From the information you gave me it appears to be around 150 years old. I'm not sure I see the stamp you're referring to, is it on the bottom of the plate? As I said the large hand is missing and needs to be replaced, I have the pendulum and other parts. I need to take it to a clock repairer who specializes in antique clocks. I'm sure it will work once repaired. Thanks again.
You're welcome. In your movement photo it is located behind and slightly to the left of the Crutch (the thing that looks like a bent fork). If you read through the reference link I provided earlier (It starts on the 3rd page.) you'll see several examples of these types of stamps/impressions which are made in the brass plates of French Clock Movements. You might be able to read it if your eyesight is really good or if you have a magnifying glass.
I was finally able to take a photo of the stamp that is readable, it says JAPY FRERES & Company/ Gr med D'HONNEUR. I will post a photo when I can. It appears it may be from the mid 1800's. I have to do more research to determine the true age and value of this set.