Need some info on bracket clock

[Cespain]

A friend of mine has received this clock from the estate of an old neighbour and has asked if I can help him get some more info on it and also to see if I can get it working. I don't have the clock yet so can only include the photos and some details that he sent to me. The makers name appears to be Joseph Silvan, Brighton (UK presumably). There's a stamp on the mechanism P.L followed by in smaller cap letters TRE then 1197. The case is made of a very heavy stone material, possibly marble. Perhaps someone can provide some details and thanks in advance.

 

[Simon Holt]

The movement looks French to me, around 1900. The name on the dial will likely be the retailer, not the manufacturer. Others will probably be able to let you know who PL were.

Simon

 

[new2clocks]

I agree with Simon.

If you remove the bell, a maker's mark may show.

Regards.

 

[shutterbug]

If memory serves (and lately that's not as reliable as it used to be), the P.L. has something to do with the pendulum length. French measurement stuff, but there are threads here which explain it.

 

[Cespain]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll find out more when I receive the clock and come back with any other hints as to its identity.

 

[JTD]

If memory serves (and lately that's not as reliable as it used to be), the P.L. has something to do with the pendulum length. French measurement stuff, but there are threads here which explain it.

That can be true for German clocks but not usually for French movements of this type. The photo is not very sharp and I cannot see clearly the letters the OP refers to.

On these movements the pendulum length (in pouces and lignes) is usually given on the lower part of the back plate, in this case probably obscured by the bell.

Sharp, close-up photos of the movement without the bell would help and might enable further information on the movement to be given.

JTD

 

[Cespain]

My friend has found out some more about the clock. Joseph Silvani was born in Italy but worked in Brighton, England in the 1850s and 60s. He was also known for barometers as a lot of Italians were.
The clock looks to be made in France and Mr Silvani probably imported the movement and retailed it in his shop with his name on it which was the norm for a lot of clockmakers in England.

 

[Cespain]

I now have the clock and on removing the bell can see that it was made by the Japy Freres with G Med D'Honneur also include on the logo. From some research this would suggest that it was made sometime between 1855 and 1873, i.e. the years when the Japy brothers held that honor.

From the photo below you can also see that the numbers and 8 are stamped at the bottom which I understand is the pendulum length in pouces and lignes and which I have calculated as 15.34cm or 6.04 inches. The original pendulum is missing so I need to order one and the supplier I use (Cousins in England) have a variety of ones available all 23cm long and in weights of 61, 70 or 100 grams. I believe that the the weight is not very significant so am thinking of going for the middle 70g weight but would welcome any advice in this regard. I can obviously trim the pendulum to the proper length.