Object Description
A magnificent beautifully proportioned giant French regulator four glass clock by this well respected maker, Le Roy et Fils, dating from the 1870s.
Four glass clocks are popular as the swinging pendulum can be clearly seen. This clock has the added benefit of a sweep centre seconds hand, a rare complication in antique mantel clocks.
The arch top case retains its original mercury gilding in lovely condition with few signs of patination.
The larger oversize movement used in this example drives a half seconds pendulum with its lozenge- section steel shaft and massive silvered pendulum bob. The movement is signed LEROY & FILS A PARIS 788, and strikes the hours and the passing of the half hour on a large bell.
The classic white enamel two-piece dial is in pristine original condition and is signed for Le Roy et Fils, 211 Regent Street, London. The escapement is visible through the centre of the dial, displaying its agate pallets. Most unusually the front escape wheel pivot has a jewelled bearing, I have only seen three of these in the best part of thirty years and that the conclusion is, quite reasonably, that this is a quality touch reserved for the best examples of their day.
To get a sense of proportion, the Le Roy four glass clock has been photographed next to a large four-glass clock with ships wheel pendulum.