Santa brought no clocks, so I bought one for myself, this time at an actual shop in snowy Cape May, NJ. It is one of the French portico or four-column clocks, this one with twisted columns and shaped top, making it more Baroque than Empire in style. The pictures below show the clock exactly as found, no cleaning or polishing yet. The movement has a round stamp under the bell of Vincenti et Cie, Medaille d'Argent. According to Tardy, I believe, Vincenti won the silver medal in 1855 and stopped producing movements in 1870. A separate oval stamp says "LINET AINE / PARIS" The "AINE" is in smaller type than "LINET."
There is a later date penciled under the base. It reads "30 Mars 97" (March 30 1897) and "E. Jacot." There is also a paper label. It reads "[no.] 730 cette horloge est guarantie pour un an 2 Aout 1892" (this clock is guaranteed for one [handwritten 'one'] year August 2, 1892). LOUIS DALLAIRE 181 Rue St-Joseph, St-Roch Quebec." There is also a signature, looks like "Pour" (by) but the name is indecipherable. The label is lightly crossed out in pencil, probably by a later repairer who didn't want to confuse the warranty referenced on the label. I assume both the penciled info and label are repairer's information.
The clock is in pretty good shape, of course missing the rectangular glass dome and base, as is usually true with these clocks. There were four wood feet, also missing. There are a few dial chips and hairlines. Most of the inlay is good. The columns and serrated molding at the base are ebonized and the rest of the wood is veneer with a dark stain. At least half the original gilding remains on the metal parts. The clock is working but the movement should be cleaned and polished. There is no regulation except the nut on the pendulum--perhaps that's typical for this style.
Any thoughts on the presumed date--1855 to 1870? I thought this style with spiral columns and inlay was a bit later. Also, how would you protect the movement? I guess I could make an acrylic cover--for just the movement or the whole clock--but that just doesn't seem right.
There is a later date penciled under the base. It reads "30 Mars 97" (March 30 1897) and "E. Jacot." There is also a paper label. It reads "[no.] 730 cette horloge est guarantie pour un an 2 Aout 1892" (this clock is guaranteed for one [handwritten 'one'] year August 2, 1892). LOUIS DALLAIRE 181 Rue St-Joseph, St-Roch Quebec." There is also a signature, looks like "Pour" (by) but the name is indecipherable. The label is lightly crossed out in pencil, probably by a later repairer who didn't want to confuse the warranty referenced on the label. I assume both the penciled info and label are repairer's information.
The clock is in pretty good shape, of course missing the rectangular glass dome and base, as is usually true with these clocks. There were four wood feet, also missing. There are a few dial chips and hairlines. Most of the inlay is good. The columns and serrated molding at the base are ebonized and the rest of the wood is veneer with a dark stain. At least half the original gilding remains on the metal parts. The clock is working but the movement should be cleaned and polished. There is no regulation except the nut on the pendulum--perhaps that's typical for this style.
Any thoughts on the presumed date--1855 to 1870? I thought this style with spiral columns and inlay was a bit later. Also, how would you protect the movement? I guess I could make an acrylic cover--for just the movement or the whole clock--but that just doesn't seem right.
). I see sometime such stuffs on ebay. The round metal cover cutted out with cloth...or just take a piece of thin brass and do yourself.
