The clocks are listed and numbered according to their acquisition date. Start your exploration, savor the beauty, and enjoy your visit. Click any of the photos for a larger version and then click the large photo for the hyperview. The larger photos will enhance your viewing experience.
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1. Columned Greek temple style regulator. Acquired Nov. 2002
This is the first clock acquired for my collection. Housed in a massive Greek inspired case and adorned by classic fluted Corinthian columns and capitals, the clock possesses a grace and solidity unmatched by any other clock in my collection. No overwrought decoration is present, just the right balance of elegance and good design. The fabrication and detail of the brass comprising the case opened my eyes to the skill of the 19th century French craftsmen. The movement is the standard round rack and snail type, manufactured by A.1 and also inscribed with the Tiffany name , the retailer of this timepiece. At sometime in the past, the Tiffany name was cleaned from the face which is easy to do as the retailers name on the dial was hand painted after the enamel dial had been fired. The clock stands 11.25 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 5 3/4 inches deep. Like most all crystal regulators, it strikes the 1/2 and full hour on a spiral gong.
This clock is totally unrestored and runs well, keeping very good time for a clock more than 100 hundred years old. It was acquired from Schmitt Fine Arts (auction) in New Hampshire.
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2. Marti Arch Top regulator. Acquired Feb. 2003
This timepiece was acquired from Mark Peer who previously ran a clock auction and sales business in Palmetto Florida. He now sells occasionally on Ebay and also sells at retail in a Sarasota antique store. The clock is another well designed piece that shows typical French design features which are somewhat busy but, nonetheless, appealing. The flanking Corinthian columns are reduced in scale in order to not detract from the beaded-front arch top which is the highlight feature of the case design. The beading is a detachable continuous casting secured from behind by watch-size screws. Like all French regulator cases, this one is well made, sturdy, and assembles into a solid mass. The fired enameled face has the typical delicate garlands so popular on these clocks. The hands are the common, but beautiful, fleur-de-lys style. The movement is by Samuel Marti. The case required only complete disassembly and polishing followed by gold lacquering, but the movement was dirty with rusty steel parts and somewhat rounded winding arbors. After a lengthy restoration, the movement is now fine and the clock runs and strikes quite well. It measures 12 in. tall, 7 1/2 in. wide, and 5 in. deep.
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3. Tall Columned and Dentilled Bow-Front Regulator. Acquired Jun. 2003
The next clock is a bow-front tall case regulator with restrained Corinthian columns and the added garnish of dentil molding both top and bottom. The height of the case (13 in.) gives it a stately and powerful appearance when placed near more traditionally sized regulators. The full restoration of the case and movement produced a beautiful clock which keeps and strikes the hours quite well. It was acquired from an Ebay seller during an online auction and was in good condition when received. You have probably noticed by now that these clocks almost always used a pendulum comprised of two sealed glass tubes half-filled with elemental mercury. This feature was presumed to be temperature compensating so as to improve accuracy, but subsequent investigation shows that it is probably the case enclosure that is responsible for the accuracy under varying ambient temperatures. The full case dimensions are 13 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 5 3/4 inches deep. The clock was acquired on Ebay.
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4. Massive Columned Regulator. Acquired Jul. 2003
This clock is a good example of the design excesses that occurred towards the end of the crystal regulator period. It was a retirement gift (inscribed 1903) to an employee of a Pittsburgh clearing house and is inscribed with his name. The clock is massive (13 1/2 inches tall , 11 inches wide, and 5 1/2 inches deep). There are fluted columns on all four corners but the capitals are more Pharaonic than Greek and were possibly done this way because of the rising popularity of the Art Nouveau style. The addition of the ornate feet at the front of the case is an example of the lack of design restraint common to this period. The Breguet hands are the only refined element of the entire design and they are overwhelmed by the other elements. The complete restoration of the case and movement was long and arduous because of the sheer surface area involved but it is now impressive and massive, rather than elegant, and does keep good time. While its presence is somewhat hulking, it does grow on one, rather like the big kind oaf that sat next to you in 6th grade. The clock was acquired from one of Carrol Horton's silent auctions.
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5. Simple Oval Regulator. Acquired Jul. 2003
The present clock is simple, straight-forward, and honest. There are no fripperies nor extraneous ornaments on this case, just clean lines, simple design, and truth in presentation. The clock had been ministered to by some ham-handed backwoods repairman and required significant repairs to the round bezel and pendulum. This bozo had drilled a large jagged hole in the bottom of the face bezel and secured the movement in place with a tarnished table lamp finial. Various movement parts had been improperly soldered and case screw holes had been stripped by the use of improper fastener sizes. The repairs and restorations were accomplished and the clock now stands in its original condition, displaying honesty and simplicity and keeping good time and striking well. The movement is by Marti and the face is simple and unadorned with any fripperies. Its oval case shape is a pleasant variation from the usual rectilinear cases and made it a worthy addition to my collection. It, too, was acquired from Horton's Clocks. It measures 11 in. tall, 8 in. wide, and 6 1/2 in. deep.
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6. Champleve and Cloisonne Bow Front Regulator. Acquired Sep. 2003
This clock was the first I acquired which shows the decorative possibilities of French cloisonne and champleve work when applied to a regulator case. While some may consider it excessive, others will appreciate the workmanship and the beauty that colored fired enamels can bring to the underlying brass. As you can see, the top and bottom are banded with cloisonne and the columns and medallions are adorned with beautifully executed champleve work. Note also the dial centerpiece garnish. Both techniques involve the firing of enamels to the brass. Cloisonne uses fine wires to separate the colors while champleve employs engraved or chiseled recesses in the metal to hold the colors.
The clock stands out in any surroundings and calls attention to itself by virtue of its color and complexity of execution. The corner top finials and a beautiful square dome (not well shown in this photo) enhanced by champleve work only add to its beauty. Note also the heavy ornamentation of the dial including the champleve dial centerpiece. Its movement is by H&H and is the standard round rack and snail type. A thorough restoration brought it back to its original beauty and also made it an excellent timekeeper. This clock was acquired from an Ebay auction. It stands 13 1/2 inches tall, is 7 1/4 inches wide, and 6 1/2 inches deep.
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7. Eight Column Victorian Regulator. Acquired Oct. 2003
This clock is adorned with a total of eight slender columns, four full and four three-quarter ones. It shows the moderate but busy decorative detailing that was so popular in architecture during the late Victorian period. One can see the "gingerbread" approach that was so popular in the late 19th century. While it is a pleasant and stately clock, it is not as simply elegant as many in the collection because of its decorative busyness. It was originally sold by Black Frost & Starr, another high-end New York jewelery store, whose name is still present on the dial. An interesting detail is that the case feet are an integral part of the casting and not attached by screws as is commonly the case. The movement is the standard round rack and snail type by Marti. It measures 12 1/4 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 5 3/4 inches deep. It was acquired from Ebay.
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8. Elegant, Simple Bow Front Regulator. Acquired Nov. 2003
What a simple and elegant presence this tall bow front regulator displays. A gentle forward curve of the base and top plate are matched by the curve of the glass front door. Unlike so many of its contemporary brethren, it shows a restrained and appealing shape along with a disdain for over-the-top decorative trims. The simple grooving of the front columns is in character with the design, adding visual detail without detracting from the overall appearance. The eye is drawn immediately to the dial and its classic French hands. It was originally sold by G.W. Russell jewelers of Philadelphia and the movement is by Marti. It stands 11 3/4 inches tall, measures 6 7/8 inches wide, and is 5 3/4 inches deep. It was acquired from a collector in South Carolina.
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9. Gilt Bronze Crystal Regulator. Acquired Feb. 2004
This lovely and simply elegant clock is a fine example, not only of French design skills, but also of the process of fire gilding. If you click on the image for enlargement, you will note that the surface of the metal case is a lovely matte finish rather than the typical polished brass one would expect. This finish is commonly called "fire-gilt". It requires that an amalgam (alloy) of gold and mercury (similar to the silver and mercury amalgam used in dentistry for filling cavities) be applied to the cleaned and polished metal surface. When the surface is covered and dry, the metal parts are placed in an oven at a controlled heat level and the mercury is driven off leaving behind the characteristic matte gold finish. Because of the toxicity of the vaporized mercury fumes ("Mad Hatter's" disease) the process is no longer used commercially. It results in a characteristic finish which is soft and beautiful at the same time. No polishing of this surface should ever be attempted and only degreasing detergents should be applied with a soft brush in order to keep the surface beautiful. The displayed example of this finish is a lovely well-proportioned case proving that simplicity is a virtue. It stands 12 inches tall, is 7 inches wide and 5 inches deep. It was acquired from Mark Of Time auctions in Palmetto, FL.
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10. Small Champleve and Cloisonne Regulator. Acquired Mar. 04
This small crystal regulator is a great example of the decorative arts taken to a lovely extreme. It has cloisonne banding on the base and top plate enhanced by champleve work on the uprights. The bezel is also decorated with well-executed champleve work and the pendulum, another lovely piece of champleve decoration adds a circle of brilliants (rhinestones) just for a final touch of bling. Click on the image to enlarge it and note the very skillful execution of enamel art. It is far better than any Chinese examples I have seen (both antique and contemporary) and again affirms my admiration for 19th century French workmanship. The clock uses ornate gilded hands which fit well with the overall concept. It stands only 9 3/4 inches tall, 6 1/8 inches wide, and 4 3/4 inches deep. It was acquired on Ebay.
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11. Cloisonne and Champleve Regulator with Ornate Columns. Acquired
Jul 2004
This well-proportioned regulator shows a truly extravagant use of cloisonne and champleve decoration. Both top and bottom are banded with beautifully cloisonne work while the columns and bezel show well-executed champleve decoration. You have also probably noted that the clock face is painted metal with a decorative cloisonne center emblem. All of the preceding clocks show fired porcelain enamel dials which are predominant in French crystal regulators. The current dial is one of the alternative designs which were sometimes used by designers. The front columns are a fine example of French casting and machining skills. Click the photo for a large view and you can appreciate the detail work of the columns. While this clock appeals to many, I tend to prefer more restraint in design and decoration. C'est le gout. These highly decorated regulators also tend to bring high prices at auction. The movement carries the stamp of J.E. Caldwell & Co., a Philadelphia jeweler and the original retailer. The movement was made by Japy Freres The clock measures 11 inches tall, 7 inches wide and 5 inches deep. It was acquired on Ebay.
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12. Tall Simple Brocot Escapement Regulator. Acquired Nov. 2004
What a straightforward , honest, proud clock this is. It does not dazzle the eye with fancy and over-wrought decorative elements but simply and gracefully says "Here I am, I tell the time". The eye-catching elements of this clock are functional, not decorative. If you click the image you will note that the Marti clockwork element features a Brocot open escapement movement graced with Breguet hands showing their characteristic open circle garnish. Achille Brocot was a French clockmaker who invented this deadbeat escapement c. 1860. This example uses ruby pins to control the motion of the escape wheel and is noted for its accuracy as well as fascinating constant movement (reminds me of a young child). By making the movement the centerpiece of this clock, the designer put the function forward (keeping time) and did not allow the case to become a distraction from the functional purpose of all timepieces. The clock stands 11 3/4 inches tall, is 6 3/4 inches wide and measures 5 inches deep. It was acquired from Schmitt Fine Arts auction in New Hampshire.
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13. Tall Clean-lined Champleve and Cloisonne Regulator. Acquired Nov. 2004
While this regulator shows a copious amount of cloisonne and champleve decoration, it does not succumb to the temptation to add carved columns nor extraneous urns and corner embellishments. While i must characterize it as heavily decorated, it still shows a simplicity of form and shape and hews strongly to maintaining its rectilinear integrity. You will note that the dial is again a painted metal one (mildly uncommon) with a central medallion, and this clock also adds champleve decoration to the pendulum (click for enlargement). These painted dials never survive the years as well as the porcelain ones but, then again, they never chip nor crack. The clock was originally sold by Blair and Crawford of Philadelphia. It measures 12 1/2 inches tall, 7 1/2 inches wide and 5 3/4 inches deep. It was acquired on Ebay.
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14. Columned Cloisonne Ornate Regulator. Acquired Jan. 2005
What a clock, what a story. This clock was my first experience with grief and rage. It was acquired from Ebay. After winning the bidding, I sent explicit instructions about proper packing to the dealer. After charging an excessive amount for "professional" packing, the clock arrived with the movement broken free from the front case pillars, the front glass smashed, and the dial irreparably dented and seriously chipped. A long and arduous reconstruction was required. Luckily an authentic period replacement dial was obtained and fitted to the movement which was then successfully mated to the bezel. New beveled glass was made by another vendor and the rear door was switched to the front so that the front and sides would have authentic original glass. The restoration is displayed and is quite pleasing. This clock shows classic Corinthian columns, champleve-decorated finials, a champleve bezel and pendulum, and large and well-executed cloisonne panels on all four sides top and bottom (most unusual). The final fillip is the filigree medallion at dial center (original to the destroyed dial). All in all, this is a regulator that would be admired in any room. It measures 13 1/4 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 6 1/2 inches deep. The movement is by Japy.
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15. Massive Columned Regulator #2. Acquired Oct. 2005
This clock is the twin of Clock No. 4. When acquired, it was in deplorable condition. The brass had oxidized to a rusty brown color, the movement was frozen, some bozo had painted "brocot" on the face, and the feet were missing. All the fasteners were corroded in place, but the glass was fine and the clock ultimately responded beautifully to restoration. The first step was the liberal application of Liquid Wrench to all screws and fasteners, followed by gentle torch work to break the corrosion holding the fasteners in place. Disassembly required intermittent and patient work over a two week period. Finally the brass parts could be soaked in a weak phosphoric acid solution which released the majority of the corrosion. Then followed days of patient polishing with gradually finer grades of compound until the brass was restored to a glorious luster. New feet were obtained and placed in position on the base. The movement was soaked, disassembled, cleaned and rebuilt and ran like a top. The "brocot" was cleaned from the face, and the final result is presented on the right. Click to photo and you will note that the column bases and capitals are different from No. 4 but otherwise the timepieces are twins. This clock is one of my restoration triumphs. Measurements are the same as No. 4. It was obtained on Ebay.
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16. Large Classic Regulator with Enameled Face. Acquired Nov. 2005
I consider this clock to be the most classic and magnificent one in my collection. The gilt-bronze trim bands top and bottom and the column capitals of the same material bespeak magnificence but the overall design is clean, elegant, and the eye just knows that it is "right". The clock was originally sold by Theodore B. Starr, a high-end jeweler in New York City in the late 19th century. The enamel dial is striking and riveting and is complemented by a center medallion depicting two Greek mythological figures. The clock has the classical two-tube mercury pendulum and the typical Japy round rack and snail movement. It keeps excellent time since its rebuild. The case is 14 1/2 inches tall, 9 1/8 inches wide and 6 inches deep. Nine out of ten people who first see my collection choose it as the best of the bunch. I tend to agree with them. It was obtained on Ebay.
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17. Baroque Case Tiffany Urn-top Regulator. Acquired Mar. 2006
Here is another excellent design that incorporates elements of the early baroque without being excessive. The gentle curves leading from the case top to the corner columns are a break from earlier rectilinear designs. While it can be argued that the urn top and corner finials need to be restrained, they are elements that keep the faith with the basic baroque elements of the design. The clock was originally sold by Tiffany & Co. and is graced by an exceptionally beautiful porcelain enamel dial which still bears the company's name. The entire clock is a gorgeous design and exquisitely executed example of French workmanship. I count it among the true treasures of my collection. I measures 18 inches tall, 8 1/4 inches wide and 6 1/2 inches deep. It was acquired on Ebay.
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18. Four Column Ornate Victorian Regulator. Acquired Jul 2006
Here is a perfect example of what I consider too much on too little. This is a small regulator measuring only 10 1/2 inches to the top of the finials and yet it carries more design busyness than a clock twice as large. Click on the picture to enlarge it and note the deep fluting and knobby turning details of the columns. The stamped inserted appliques both top and bottom add even more micro-detailing to the case to the point of overwhelming it and are accompanied by turned finial on all four corners. These design elements are actually carried on all four sides of the clock's case. The dial's center medallion is a classic Star of David although it is doubtful that this was designed to appeal to Jewish people and most likely is just another piece of excessive detail. The dial is interesting in that it is metal rather than porcelain enamel. We have seen this on earlier specimens but this is the first we have cataloged with raised polished medallions for each numeral. While I am not especially fond of the design, the metalworking effort that went into the case production is excellent. The clock measures 10 1/2 inches tall, 5 1/2 inches wide, and 4 1/4 inches deep. It was acquired on Ebay.
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19. Rococo Cherub and Columned Regulator. Acquired Oct. 2006
Here is another example of "a clock too far". While the case may appeal to some, it is to me another example of a design that is too cluttered with cast appliques and details. The front columns are slender fluted Corinthian style with appropriate capitals (OK but not rococo), the arched top is appliqued with embracing cherubs. they are repeated on the base, and then swags are used on the base center accompanied by floral appliques on the curved case corners. The shape basically is pleasant but it is too overdecorated for my taste. The clock was damaged in shipping and consequently has a replacement side glass. In addition the dial was damaged and so I replaced it with a period French dial which actually looks much better than the overly ornate metal painted original. In addition some bumpkin had painted the case with "gold" paint which leached all the zinc from the surface of the brass and required stripping and hours of rouge polishing to restore the original brass color. Ultimately, as you can see, the restoration was successful. The clock measures 12 inches tall, 8 3/8 inches wide and 4 5/8 inches deep. It was acquired on Ebay.
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20. Gilt Bronze Tiffany Columned Regulator. Acquired Feb. 2007
This is a lovely classically-styled regulator done in gilt bronze. It is medium in size measuring 10 3/4 inches tall, 7 3/4 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. As with most of the Tiffany merchandised clocks in my collection, it is endowed with a high-end elegance and displays both lovely design and execution. The gilt bronze process is explained in Clock No. 9 description and will not be repeated here. Suffice it to say that the technique results in a soft matte finish which is very pleasing to the eye and quite distinctive. It cannot be duplicated with modern plating methods. The nicely chased columns combined with the classical fascia decorating the top and bottom platforms result in a beautifully understated clock which shows that a modicum of decoration is quite appealing but an excess is repugnant to many viewers. The classically French floral dial in porcelain enamel adds just the proper touch of color to the overall appearance. The clock was acquired on Ebay.
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21. Classic Regulator with Basket Weave Inserts and Engine-turned Dial.
Acquired Apr. 2007
Here is a lovely and elegant classic crystal regulator with simple lines and just enough adornment to be refined and softly attractive. The multi-stepped base combined with the graceful and simple basket weave inserts on the top, bottom, and sides (enlarge the picture to appreciate) are combined with a beautifully engraved dial center to create a lovely overall whole. The clock is, simply, "just right". It shows how simplicity can be both beautiful and stunning at the same time. The Breguet hands are the final "touch of class" and carry the overall theme of elegance to its final realization. The clock stands 10 3/4 inches tall, 7 3/4 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches deep. It was acquired on Ebay.
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22. Art Nouveau Regulator. Acquired May 2007
What an interesting style change this clock represents. Its designer has embraced the modern and let go of the old verities. Changing the classic rectilinear shape to that of the art nouveau, with its sinuous curves that encourage the eye to visually caress the case, represents a real change from earlier repetition and mimicry of classical designs and decorative motifs. Much of the nouveau period is trite and slavishly stylistic, but this case design stuns the eye with its changes from earlier periods and yet attains a soft, lovely beauty which becomes more beguiling with continued study. I suspect that the hands are not original, being too florid and yet the designer may have nothing else of a curvy nature to choose from. The clock measures 11 3/4 inches tall, 7 1/4 inches wide and 4 3/4 inches deep. It was acquired from Jones and Horan Auctioneers in New Hampshire.
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23. Ornate Second Empire Regulator. Acquired Dec. 2007
This regulator pays homage to the French Second Empire with its squared dome crowning the case accompanied by a surfeit of "frou frou" decorative elements that adorn the case everywhere. The four ornate slender columns topped by floral garnishes and the inset "urn bands" surrounding the case top and bottom are consistent with the period defined by the reign of Napoleon III. The fanciful topmost garnish (finial) completes the picture as only a French designer of this period could. It is a beautifully executed and manufactured period piece and always gets attention from female viewers. The clock measures 15 1/2inches tall, 7 1/4 inches wide, and 5 3/4 inches deep. It was acquired from a private collector in Arnold, MO.
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24. "Hail Brittania" Massive Ornate Regulator Acquired Dec.2007
What
a true masterpiece this clock is. Obviously made for the English market,
it is adorned with more British elements than any other French clock I have ever
seen. The two British lions are holding up the globe adorned with a rhinestone
(brilliant)
while a bust of the young
Queen Victoria adorns the base. The French have their way, however, with
the four corner embellishments which, happily enough, actually add to the overall
majesty and presence of the regulator case. The use of an open escapement
with ruby pallets completes the overall complement of florid decorative elements
so characteristic of and omnipresent
during the late Victorian period. No ornamentation was too much during
those times. Restoration of the case required more hours of work
than I care to remember due to all the elements which had to be disassembled
and subsequently polished and lacquered. This clock is the most massive
in my collection measuring inches tall, 20 1/4 inches
wide, 10 inches wide and 8 1/2 inches deep. It was acquired from the same private collector as the No. 23 clock. |
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25. Ornate
Urn Top Regulator with Gothic Dial. Acquired Mar. 2008
What a clock! While
I can vouch for its French authenticity, it would actually seem to have been
designed by a courtier for Franz Josef of Austria. The corner castings
are truly over the top and would appeal, very much, to my dear departed mother-in-law. How
they blend with the Gothic rose window dial ornamentation is a mystery to me. I
suppose that the best explanation is that the clock was aimed to the nouveau
riche crowd who always believe that more is better. Be that as it may,
the clock always elicits admiring comments from a certain segment of my viewers-generally
those wearing excessive amounts of makeup and frilly clothing. The clock
measures 16 inches tall, 7 1/2 inches wide, and 6 1/2 inches deep. It
was acquired from Bloom Antiques of Brooklyn, N.Y. on an Ebay auction. |
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26. Tiffany Crystal Columned with Gilded Laurel Wreaths Regulator. Acquired
Oct. 2008
This clock is both stunning and beautiful in its design and execution. The cut crystal columns on all four corners are complemented by the green enamel panels decorated with fire-gilt laurel leaves on the top and bottom case panels as well as laurel wreaths on the pendulum and dial center. These laurel leaves hearken back to David's portrait of Napoleon I and a long-past glorious time in French history. The case engravings and details are superb (click on the picture for an enlargement). The clock was marketed by Tiffany and bears a movement which uses screws and threaded posts for assembly rather that the usual pinned post construction-a construction detail only found on high-end movements. The movement is an A1 by way of Japy Freres. Overall this is a very high-end clock and a delight to view. The clock measures 13 inches tall, 8 3/8 inches wide and 5 3/8 inches deep. It was acquired on Ebay.
27. Bowfront Regulator with Extensive Application of Brilliants. Acquired
July 2009
If ever a clock could be characterized as a prophet, this is the one. I jokingly call it "the prophet Bling" for the way it presages the "rap" era of contemporary times with its absurd decorative excess. The clock's original rhinestones were very dull due to the loss of their silver backing over the years and so I replaced 94 large and 90 small originals with new Swarovski stones with excellent results. Each original stone was individually demounted and replaced with a modern crystal with stunning results--but a most tedious task. The original pendulum portrait was extremely faded and so I inserted a high definition print of the lovely Madame Recamier by Jacques Louis David as a delightful substitute-with lovely results. If you click on the photo you will also see the extensive beading top and bottom along with the dentil work on the case top. Altogether a most audacious and "too much" clock. It measures 10 5/8 inches tall, 6 inches wide, and 6 3/8 inches deep. The movement is the standard Marti rack and snail type. It was acquired on Ebay.
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