Painted Morbier Longcase Clock, France circa 1875

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About the Item

Painted Morbier Longcase Clock, France c.1875. These clocks are known variously as Morbier or Comtoise clocks after the areas in France where they were produced during the nineteenth century. The major trade route between Paris and Geneva was through these regions and during the long and cold winter months the residents engaged in the task of clock making. By this time the art of clock making was a science and assembling the internal mechanism, fitting the pendulum and casting the iron weights were tasks that could be accomplished by skilled craftsmen. These works were then shipped across france where the wooden cases could be custom made by local craftsmen to accommodate the taste of the purchaser. The reason for the distinctive shape was the length and side to side movement of the pendulum necessary to keep the proper time. The exterior of this case shows a skillful understanding of faux painting needed to simulate the appearance of a more expensive timber upon the pine frame. The wood grain on the exterior displays a beautiful warmth and depth the case was designed to highlight the impressive design of the enamel dial face surrounded by the hammered brass corona and the tapered pendulum. The embossed surface has a high level of relief and celebrates the abundance of nature with the largest section of the pendulum centred on three large flower blossoms. The perimetre of both the pendulum and the face surround also uses images of flowers and geometric shapes arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The highly reflective brass served two purposes-one obviously ornamental and decorative and the second functional as the brass reflected any available light in the room and revealed whether the pendulum was swinging side to side and keeping time. The enamel clock face uses Roman numerals painted around the circumference to indicate the time shown by the pierced brass hands. The two small holes set by the four and eight are where the key is inserted to wind the iron weights that drive the hour and minute hand. The enamel clock face shows the name "Claviere" above the hands and "a Tulle" beneath the hands. This represents the retailer who sold the clock and case and the town where the shop was located. The clock has been professionally restored and is in fine working order.

Dimensions:
Height: 90 in (228.6 cm)Width: 19.5 in (49.53 cm)Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Painted
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
c.1875
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: BAE831stDibs: LU86681121208