Posted 1 year ago
earl99
(2 items)
French clock that i cannot find any info on any help would be appreciated. Possibly was a commemoration piece for a war or dedication to a chevalier.
Antique French Clock | ||
| Clocks1 of 3964 |  |  |
Antique French Clock | ||
| Clocks1 of 3964 | | |
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Posted 1 year ago
earl99
(2 items)
French clock that i cannot find any info on any help would be appreciated. Possibly was a commemoration piece for a war or dedication to a chevalier.
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Hi, earl99. Cool. :-)
Yup, sure looks like a dedication to a chevalier. I can't quite make out all of the text on the ribbon, but I see "MICHELAIS GEORGES," and then "JE TE FAIS CHEVALIER" (I KNIGHT YOU), so somebody was getting knighted.
France isn't a monarchy any longer, but the French still give out what are called cultural knighthoods. Australian entertainer Kylie Minogue was knighted:
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/may/07/popandrock.france
One little tidbit in the phrase "JE TE FAIS CHEVALIER" that I found interesting is "TE."
Isn't "TE" you familiar? Shouldn't it be "JE VOUS FAIS CHEVALIER?"
Maybe not:
*snip*
"Au nom de Dieu, de Saint Michel et de Saint Georges, je te fais chevalier. Sois vaillant, loyal et généreux."
(“In the name of God, Saint Michael and Saint George, I knight you. Be valiant, loyal and generous.”)
*snip*
http://medieval.mrugala.net/Seigneurs%20et%20nobles/Adoubement%20de%20chevalier.htm
Maybe it's the old-fashioned concept of "thou." *shrug*
To date this clock, you'll probably need to open it up, and examine the works.
OK, I was in too much of a hurry the other day.
I took another look at the text, and while I still can't quite read that left-most string (perhaps "PARIS"), I realized (D'oh!) that after that, it probably reads, "ST. MICHEL ET ST. GEORGES."
So, it's probably not a dedication to a particular knight, but rather a fairly standard rendition of what used to be recited at a knighthood ceremony.
I also see the name "MARIGNAN" at the top. Dunno about that. A quick search didn't reveal a clock-maker by that name.
I further notice that the clock face has two wind mechanisms, so this clock might chime/strike if it were wound?
Your best bet on determining provenance is probably still examining the clock works. Well, not to mention examining the entire exterior, especially the back and under sides for clues.
Thank you very much keramikos for your insight. I was limited on the amount of photos I could post. The movement is not signed looks like typical 1800's french movement with 1 bell. The clock belonged to the governor of Illinois at one time but had no providence with it.
Also there are no letters numbers or anything anywhere on it beside what is written on the front
earl99, You're welcome -- FWIW.
I looked into the name "MARIGNAN," and its significance probably has to do with the Battle of Marignano,which was in 1515, but perhaps still loomed large in 19th century French memory:
https://fr.wiktionary.org/wiki/Marignan
*snip*
Battle of Marignano, (Sept. 13–14, 1515), French victory over a Swiss army in the first Italian campaign of Francis I of France. Fought near the village of Marignano (modern Melegnano), 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Milan, the battle resulted in the French recovery of Milan and in the conclusion of the peace treaty of Geneva (Nov. 7, 1515) between France and the Swiss Confederation. It was a classic clash between Swiss shock infantry—halberdiers and pikemen—and French artillery and heavy cavalry. The French won, though only by a narrow margin, despite a heavy numerical advantage.
*snip*
https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Marignano
I'm probably not telling you anything you didn't already know; I'm just getting myself up to speed. };-)
Perhaps Bruce99 has some insight into this beautiful clock.