Posted 4 years ago
HayleyS
(1 item)
Hi
I wondered if anyone knows anything about this clock?
I’d love to know the maker and the date it was approximately made.
We were given this by my late grandparents and I’d love to get it restored.
Black mantel clock | ||
| Unsolved mystery items9891 of 95793 |  |  |
Hello HayleyS,
It looks to me like your heirloom is an early 20th Century French Clock with a Japy movement. You can get a quick summary of French Clocks here: https://www.collectorsweekly.com/clocks/french
If you posted more photos showing the entire movement we might be able to nail down an approximate date for the manufacture of the movement itself.
Do you know what that white liquid is on the movement?
Bruce
Thank you Bruce.
The liquid was oil I used to try and clean it. I can’t get it to tick but the chimes are working any ideas?
Thank you
Hello HayleyS,
Clock oil has very specific requirements and should be used sparingly. If not, it doesn't stay where it needs to be and only attracts dust and airborne contaminants .
Here is a concise video on oiling a clock's movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaiLSVOxMkc
Regarding the fact that your movement isn't running, I couldn't tell you more without seeing more but French clock movements are very delicate and they are not over-powered like many 20th Century American clock movements were. When lubrication fails and dirt accumulates in French movements they'll easily stall, which is a good thing. On the other hand, when they are in good working order they can be quite elegant and excellent time keepers (for antique mechanical clocks).
I would recommend that you take a paper towel or something and try to remove all of that excess liquid. Just keep it as a heirloom and decorative piece until such time as you can have it properly serviced. People often lose sight of the fact that these clocks are simply counting machines that run 24/7. Like any machine, they require periodic repair and maintenance. (Emphasis on maintenance).
Thanks for sharing your family clock with us. It looks quite nice, and well cared for.
Bruce