Wall clock (6) - Brass - 1850-1900 - 3-hand Lyra-slinger

French Comtoise wall clock with 3 hands, lyra-slinger, 2 weights and wall bracket – ca. 1870–1890 – restoration object

Object description

Antique French Comtoise wall clock from the latter half of the 19th century, complete with richly carved pendulum, two weights, wall bracket/wall support and winding key.

The clock has a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, fine minute division and additional markings in the inner section. Notably, it is fitted with three centrally mounted hands, including two finely openwork brass hands and a long third hand.

On the dial, in elegant script, there is a name/trade mark, with the inscription clearly below:

“à Pradelles”

The exact name above this place inscription is not completely reliably readable due to the ornate script and the hands and is therefore not attributed further.

The enamelled dial is surrounded by a richly decorated metal front. The upper section shows an extensive figurative scene with several figures in a rural setting, combined with floral and rocaille ornaments.

The clockwork is weight-driven and equipped with two winding openings. The striking mechanism chimes on a bell.

Special lyra-slinger

A striking feature is the large, richly carved brass lyra/grille pendulum.

The pendulum consists of several alternating brass-coloured and darkly twisted bars, brought together in a decorative lyra form. On the pendulum there is also an old plate with legible text including:

“Breveté S.G.D.G.”
and “Romaneche”.

The remaining text is only partially readable and is therefore not attributed with certainty.

At the bottom there is a large circular brass pendulum lens with a central geometric, star/floral ornament. This elaborately worked pendulum, together with the engraved front, forms an important decorative component of the clock.

Specifications

Object: Comtoise wall clock
Origin: France
Period: ca. 1870–1890
Type: mechanical weight-driven wall clock
Dial: enamelled
Hands: 3 centrally mounted hands
Time indication: Roman numerals
Inscription on dial: including “à Pradelles”
Striking mechanism: strike on bell
Pendulum: richly carved lyra/grille pendulum
Inscription on pendulum: including “Breveté S.G.D.G.” and “Romaneche”
Material: iron, brass, enamel and other metals

Auction includes
Comtoise clock with driven front and enamel dial
Large decorative lyra/grille pendulum
2 weights
Wall bracket / wall support
Winding key
Illustrated loose mounting parts

Condition and operation

The clock is in an antique used condition, with age-related, wear, patina and oxidation marks appropriate for its age.

The enamel dial shows visible fine craquelé/ hairline cracks and signs of age. The metal parts, pendulum and weights also show signs of use and natural patination.

The clock has been recently tested and currently runs and strikes the bell.

Nevertheless, the clock is expressly offered as a non-working restoration/parts object. The mechanism has not been professionally checked by a clockmaker and with such an antique mechanical clock transport can affect regulation. Therefore no guarantee of operation is given and after installation one must consider inspection, adjustment, maintenance and/or restoration.

The photos form an integral part of the description and give an accurate impression of the dial, three hands, pendulum, inscriptions, included parts and overall condition.