This page is set up to display a few clocks I bought and restored before I decided to concentrate exclusively on French crystal regulators. While they are all French, they are not, as you will see, crystal regulators. I have included them simply to show a few of the other types of timepieces that the French did so well during the 19th century. Peruse and enjoy.
Louis XVI Brass Ornate Bracket Clock. Acquired Feb. 2003
This clock is "the classic" when most people conceive of a French clock. It is beautifully cast in brass and does not shrink from an abundance of "frou-frou" detail. After I purchased and restored it, however, I realized that it would never fit into my concept of beauty and would, instead, stand for the wretched excess of the last years of the French monarchy. Interestingly enough there was a poor copy of this clock (Italian-made) on the mantle of the fireplace in the Hemingway suite at the Paris-Ritz when I stayed there a few years ago. It is apparently what people expect of haut France. The clock measures 23 inches tall, 9 1/2 inches wide, and 5 1/2 inches deep. It was acquired from Mark of Time in Palmetto, FL. |
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Gothic Gilt-Bronze Portico Clock. Acquired Feb. 2003
This is a quite striking clock. The classic portico style here is given a an extensive Gothic styling treatment. Who but the French, who developed the Gothic style, could execute this design with such detail and flair? The case details are beautiful miniature copies of Gothic embellishments and altogether work beautifully together in this instance. Click on the image for an enlarged view and relish the workmanship. The gilt-bronze process (often called ormolu) is simply a gorgeous surface finish and never fails to delight the eye. The clock measures 21 3/4 inches tall, 9 inches wide, and 6 inches deep. It was acquired from Mark of Time in Palmetto FL. |
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Classic Ebonized and Ormolu Portico Clock. Acquired Aug. 2003
This is one of my favorite clocks. The classic French portico clock could not be better represented. The formal, yet graceful, lines are gently embellished with gilt bronze column pedestals and capitals. The gilt bronze hanging bunting on top and the interlocked wreaths below add just the right touch of grace. When originally acquired, the clock was in deplorable condition. The wooden parts were resprayed with black lacquer and rubbed until a great shine came through. The ormolu fittings were all gently cleaned with special detergent. The silver engine-turned dial was missing most of its numerals. After a good polishing, the numerals were restored with modern transfers. The pendulum is a modern reproduction which I gold-leafed. Altogether the clock makes a grand appearance and represents a classic period in French horological endeavor. It measures 20 inches tall, 10 1/2 inches wide, and 6 inches deep. It was acquired from Ivey-Selkirk auctions in St. Louis, MO. |
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Miniature Brass Portico Clock. Acquired Dec. 2003
What a petite beauty is this portico clock. Fashioned of brass, it is small and yet exquisitely detailed with multiple decorative elements. The top wreath and garland, along with the bottom floral extended linear wreath, are both brass castings secured to the case with miniature screws. The dial shows classic Roman numerals and is equipped with Breguet hands. The fluted columns on all four corners, anchored and topped with basket weave flourishes, add to the overall elegance and combine to make a miniature gem of a portico clock. The round rack and snail movement is the smallest in my collection. The pendulum, shaped as another floral wreath, carries the overall theme to a perfect visual punctuation mark. This clock measures 11 inches tall, 6 1/2 inches wide and 4 inches deep. It was acquired from a private collector in York, SC. |
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