Need information

[Nnasil]

Hi I am new here, what prompted me to join was the vast knowledge of clocks. I have recently acquired an antique clock that has me quite intrigued.The only thing I know is made byJapy Ferers and I believe it was made in the 1850s. The pendulum is missing the minute hand is off and there looks to be the top of the leaves on the side of the clock is broken off. I am looking for all the information I can get on this piece and I am wondering if it would be lucrative to have it repaired. I would appreciate any information I can get such as the year, what material it is made of, what is the name of the piece and Etc. I have posted pictures and I would appreciate any information someone can give me.

 

[Jeremy Woodoff]

The metal parts of the case are spelter, also called white metal or pot metal. It makes clean, crisp castings but is brittle and tends to break. It was a much cheaper substitute for bronze. It also isn't good at retaining finishes, which tend to corrode off. It was probably originally gilt with thin gold electroplate. The case looks painted now, but it's hard to tell from the photos. Japy Freres won many medals, and it may be possible to find the date range when the stamp on your clock was used. My guess is that the clock is a bit later than 1850s, probably 1870s or 80s.

 

[JTD]

Welcome to the board.

A new hand and pendulum could easily be bought from one of the clock material suppliers. These would not be expensive. (The pendulum length is probably stamped on the lower part of the back plate).

It would be very difficult to repair the broken part on the left of the case.

JTD

 

[jmclaugh]

It's a fairly run of the mill French case and Japy is listed as having won that medal on a few occasions, 1835, 55 and 67, I'd think it dates to around 1870 or so.