Three piece French Clock.

[MisSailor]

I inherited my grandfather's clock collection. Lucky me. Where do I find information on this 3-Piece French Mantle Clock? It appears to be in good condition, lovely. I don't think it runs, might be missing some pieces.

 

[Bruce Barnes]

Very nice set, complete with garniture. I am curious as to the reason for the pink stickers on the pieces.
Start by looking for any info on the dial, then open the back door to the case and see if there is any form of identification, name, logo, or medals etc. If there is take some photos and post here.There is a wealth of expertise here that can help and guide you.
Bruce

 

[shimmystep]

Nice set. As Bruce said, there may be a makers name on the back plate of the movement, You may need to remove the bell to see it. You have the base too, which often gets separated from the clock.

 

[MisSailor]

My family, in CA, inventoried the estate, stuck pink numbers on the clock. Then later decided I could have them - rather than sell the lot. I was very relieved to not see the family heirlooms sold. They shipped them to Fl. I have mystery pieces, like the clock weight that arrived today. I thought it was for the Morbier, but it doesn't resemble the ones I've seen. I found the Morbier on Deckert's web site. Mine has no case, weights, or pendulum. The movement is in good shape (anchor).

 

[MisSailor]

There is a number 516 or 316 on the back. The small circle under the bell striker says JapyFrers. The circular letters also say M.E.D.HONEU. There is also a 9 or a 6. It's hard to read. I had to use a magnifying glass. Is this an Ormolu Japy Frers mantle clock? Maybe late 19th century? The face dial on the clock looks washed out in the photo, but there is a scene painted on it. I googled - very interesting clock.

 

[Talyinka]

Wonderful clock indeed. The movement is a Japy Freres movement and the clock dates to around 1880-1900 - your photo is not quite clear enough to identify the exact look of the trade mark.

The movement looks very dirty and I won't recommend running the clock until it has been cleaned and serviced, preferably by a specialist in this type of clock.

 

[scottmiami]

What a beauty! Please don't be in a big rush to get it running, take your time & find someone qualified to properly service it. Definitely a nice piece to hold onto.

Scott

 

[MisSailor]

Thank you for your reply.

- - - Updated - - -

I appreciate the advice Scott. Thanks.

 

[daveR]

The letters in the circle probably say medaille de honeur. which would have been awarded at one of the exhibitions. There may be a date and also an indicaton of the standard, ie gold silver or bronze.
Any numbers at the bottom ofthe movement straddling the pillar are usually the pendulum length in french inches. Other numbers are often a serial no which on many french movements will be found repeated on all parts and even the dial hardware. As others have said it needs a good clean (it should have a high polish) but often there is not a lot of wear if you are lucky. Give it a proper re oil and it will go well.
David

 

[shimmystep]

As others have said it needs a good clean (it should have a high polish) but often there is not a lot of wear if you are lucky. Give it a proper re oil and it will go well.
David

I'm sure David didn't mean 'oil it and now and it will go', but I'll just clarify, having looked at a blown up pic of this I would recommend you do not add oil and run this. It has a horrible amount of dust/grime in the pivot holes and despite it having very hard pivots, you will cause undue wear. Sorry David, no intention of being contrary old chap, just clarifying.

 

[jmclaugh]

Very ornate garniture set. Japy is said to have used the mark Medaille d'Honneur on pendule de Paris movements from around 1888. The movement also has another mark, which though a lttle faded, looks to be that of Richard et Cie who most likely sourced the movement as a roulant from Japy and then finished and cased it.

 

[daveR]

Thanks shimmy, I definitely didn't mean just oil it and let it go. That would be like running the piviots in some kind of cutting solution! I only meant that with a proper service, which this one clearly needs, there is a good chance that it will run well after a service without many other problems arising.
David

 

[shimmystep]

Thanks shimmy, I definitely didn't mean just oil it and let it go. That would be like running the piviots in some kind of cutting solution! I only meant that with a proper service, which this one clearly needs, there is a good chance that it will run well after a service without many other problems arising.
David

We're singing from the same hymn sheet

 

[Tinker Dwight]

I don't see any thing missing, other than the photo
doesn't have the bell or the pendulum.
Tinker Dwight