Object Description
In the form of a clock tower, this is a highly unusual but rather magnificent black marble and gilt table clock with linked dials on three sides. This was clearly meant as a centre-piece to be admired from all around.
The giltwork is highly intricate, with columns, finials and friezes; the whole is surmounted by a fabulous gilt cupola, with bas relief motifs of Asian influence, over a frieze of theatrical swags and tails.
The French 8-day movement strikes the hours and the passing of the half hour on a coiled gong. Until now, the only multi-dialled clocks I have ever seen have been timepieces, not striking clocks. It is signed on the backplate C.R within an oval and C90, but unfortunately we have not (as yet) been able to discover the name behind this clockmaker’s trade-mark. The one movement drives the hands on all three dials using lead-off work with beveled gearing, as shown in the photos. It has a Brocot suspension, as was common among French clocks of this era.
The silvered dials exhibit both their original plating and painted numerals. The central section of each dial is a bronzed patinated plate.
We reasonably speculate that this would have been made around the 1880/1900 period.