Anyone recognize this clock?

[Wimberleytech]

A neighbor is asking me to fix this. It is missing a minute hand which can probably make if I saw an original...or just base it on the hour hand.
But, I would like to know something about it before diving in.

 

[KurtinSA]

What does it say on the dial? And is there something nearly blocked out by the case at the bottom of the dial?

Kurt

 

[Wimberleytech]

What does it say on the dial? And is there something nearly blocked out by the case at the bottom of the dial?

Kurt

Sorry, should have posted this.

 

[JTD]

And is there something nearly blocked out by the case at the bottom of the dial?

Yes. I think there is. Might be either FRANCE or GERMANY.

I have a feeling this REX with a crown has come up here before, but am not sure.

JTD

 

[Wimberleytech]

This clock has finally arrived in my shop. It was missing the minute hand as shown in the earlier photo.
I have designed and 3d printed a hand that I think looks good.
Now I am pondering using this hand as a prototype to cut the final hand from metal. Alternatively, I may just leave it as a 3d printed hand and improve the finishing and final paint coat.

If I choose to cut the hand from metal, I would like some ideas about a good starting material that is easily sourced.

 

[new2clocks]

At the bottom-middle of the backplate there appears to be a logo / trademark (or possibly just a smudge). Unfortunately, the picture provided, even under 300% magnification, does not clearly show what is there.

Can you provide a better picture of that area of the backplate?

Regards

 

[JTD]

is there something nearly blocked out by the case at the bottom of the dial?

Yes. I think there is. Might be either FRANCE or GERMANY.

Please can I remind you that some of us believe there is a word at the bottom of the dial almost completely hidden by the bezel. Can you have a look and tell us what is says? (or, even better, post a photo).

JTD

 

[new2clocks]

Please can I remind you that some of us believe there is a word at the bottom of the dial almost completely hidden by the bezel.

To these eyes, it appears to be five letters.

Regards.

 

[Wimberleytech]

I have reminded myself. No, the area at the bottom of the bezel is simply where paint has flaked away.

 

[new2clocks]

I have a feeling this REX with a crown has come up here before, but am not sure.

Could the letters be 'RCX"?

Regards.

 

[JTD]

Could the letters be 'RCX"?
Regards.

Looks like REX to me - and that would fit with having a crown.

JTD

 

[Wimberleytech]

It is just a number stamped on the plate. No other identifier.

 

[Wimberleytech]

It is REX

 

[gmitche4]

French according to Kochmann

 

[JTD]

French according to Kochmann View attachment 728585

Kochmann is often very unreliable, but in this case I wonder if he might be right. The dial is a very French art deco style and the date in Kochmann's book would fit.

I've never heard of Barral et Cie, but perhaps the company was not in business very long - I can't find it in any books I have.

JTD

 

[Willie X]

I do like that dial. Clock springs make good hands. You can partly anneal, if necessary. Willie X

 

[Wimberleytech]

I do like that dial. Clock springs make good hands. You can partly anneal, if necessary. Willie X

Great idea! That is what I will use.

 

[Wimberleytech]

I do like that dial. Clock springs make good hands. You can partly anneal, if necessary. Willie X

Here is where I am on this hand. Using your advice, I used a piece of mainspring after annealing it a bit. This still needs some more work plus polishing and painting.
Cutting the square was a challenge and it is a little "floppy" on the post when mounted. Not surprised. I have an idea about how to address this. We'll see.