Posted 14 years ago
Becky
(8 items)
I had this beautiful mantel clock passed down to me and would like to know more about it. I didn't think it worked anymore but when I opened the back and moved a spring it started ticking again! It a very heavy clock that looks like its marble...? I would love to know where it was made and a little about the history if anyone knows. I would like to have it insured if it is worth any money.
This nice clock was made in France, probably around 1870 - 1900. The black parts of the case are slate, and the corner pieces may be marble or other polished stone.
Most of these French clocks have beautifully made round movements. They are delicate and very efficient in operation.
Thank you for your input bigben,
Do you know the name of my clock or what company made it? Do you think it has enough worth to insure? Thanks again for your help. I have older wooden clock , that I'll post, that I'd like to know more about too.
Several different companies made the movements. Some have the maker's name on the back and some don't.
ok. thank you! unfortunately i did not see any name on the back. when you said they had movements i didn't know you ment the make of the clock :-) I thought you meant the way the hands moved... I'm not not clock educated, but I'm learning alot...thanks again.
If you open the back of the clock, and unscrew the round nut that holds the bell on, you may find markings on the back plate, behind the bell. Also, there are probably numbers stamped at the bottom of the movement on the back plate, on either side of the suspension leader. these will be the length of the pendulum in French pounce and lignes (pronounnced "lines"; the g is silent). A ligne is 1/12 of a pounce; and a pounce is 1/12 of a French foot, or pied. The French foot is roughly 12.8 inches.
Yay!!! I found the name of my clock! It's a Japy Freres! My husband, with his good eyes, could read the little bitty letters and then we looked it up! Now I just have to find a reputable place to have it fixed! We are in central IL so if anybody knows of any place let me know!!! Thank you to Big Ben and Precision Repair for helping me solve this mystery! I'm so happy!!!
Freres is French for "brothers". So your clock was made somewhere around or just before the turn of the century by Japy Brothers. They are a well known and documented French maker. Their movements are nicely made and finished, and are very good time-keepers for being spring-driven, given their size and pendulum length. Because they are well made, they are a real joy to work on.
PR,
I have always loved this clock-unfortunately the inside looks like a rusted mess,things have come detached, and the bell is missing. I would love for someone to be able to fix it! I remember it working when my grandmother had it in her house back in the 80's. Do you have ANY recommendation for a clock repair place around central IL ( Champaign ) area? I would like to get the wooden clocked fixed too. We found out last night it's a E. N. Welch design.
My shop is in Northern Indiana (Flora). I would be happy to repair your clocks. The French clock is interesting in that it has a gong instead of a bell. My business web site is: http://billsclockworks.com/
Thanks BB! That would be so great!!!!
I'll mapquest and see how far we are from your shop.
Your clock is a beautiful French piece. If it is complete with a pendulum and key and running, along with a pair of candelabras, (if any) it may be worth 1500€ in good condition also. Thanks!