Rare French Striking Table Clock in a Gothic styled case

Object Description

A rare French gothic mantel clock of grand proportions and with an unusual striking sequence. The Arts and Crafts styled walnut case has ornate silvered bronze mounts, the top forming a canopy suspending a faux bell.

The 5-inch blue painted dial ring has gilt painted Roman numerals, a gilt filigree center section and strong fleur-de-lys blued steel hands.

The two-part 8-day movement is signed for Vincenti et Cie with their 1855 award emblem, and also for Planchon à Paris. It strikes and chimes on a series of four gongs. Three of the gongs play a tune on the strike warning, the largest fourth gong is for the striking on the hour soon thereafter. It also strikes once on the half hour.

The sides each have a protruding knob to control the striking, one side for Jeu à Volonté effectively a repeat button, the other side for Silence, this feature being wound separately.

Object History

Vincenti was a much respected clock maker, a Corsican who set up in 1823 in Montbeliard using machinery of his own design. Following his death in 1834 his business was carried on by Roux et Cie throughout the 19th century as Vincenti et Cie who were awarded the Medaille d’Argent in 1855.

Object Condition

Overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years.

Object Details