Black marble Clock, Thermometer and Barometer

Object Description

This is an very attractive and unusually small French black marble mantel clock with thermometer and barometer, all within a break-arch wavy shaped case with infilled gilt scrolling foliage decoration. The case is in remarkably good condition.

The eight day bell-striking movement is signed on the backplate for Japy Freres, with their Medaille d’Honneur trademark, an award they received in 1855. It is also stamped R & C Paris & London.

The 3¼ inch white enamel dial is also in perfect original condition. It sits above over subsidiary thermometer and barometer dials, both of which are silvered with engine-turned centres. The thermometer dial has the original arc-shaped mercury tube, on a Fahrenheit scale. The aneroid barometer is graded in inches, and has a pointer set into the glass.

Note the photograph of the clock next to the carriage clock, placed to hopefully add some perspective.

Object History

Richard & Cie was originally founded in Paris as Lemaitre & Bergmann in 1848, and a branch opened in London in 1857. In 1867 the branch became Richard & Co., London. [source Allix & Bonnert] They made their own carriage clocks, and retailed French clocks and carriage clocks in London for over a century. This clock probably dates from c.1880-1890.

Object Condition

In excellent original condition. The movement is overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years.

Object Details