19th Century French Empire Period Walnut Eight-Day Comtoise Longcase Clock

Description

A stunning early 19th century French Empire period chateau longcase clock with eight-day comtoise movement handcrafted of solid walnut, circa … more A stunning early 19th century French Empire period chateau longcase clock with eight-day comtoise movement handcrafted of solid walnut, circa 1815, all original. This tall, handsome chateau longcase clock, with a deep, rich patina that reveals the beauty of age, features a hood with a stepped cornice over a shaped front dial case door flanked by a pair of cylindrical columns having gilt bronze Doric capitals and bases on each side. Housed inside is an enameled dial face with Roman numerals and stamped brass hands indicating the hours and minutes. There are also two side access doors. All three doors have original glass panes. The clock maker's name, Desaint Jean, and the town where it was made, à Sourcieux, a commune in the Rhône department in eastern France, are hand painted on the dial face. Pediment fronton of thin brass repoussé depicts a sunburst above a basket of flowers flanked by anthemions and a pair of cornucopias. The lower case or trunk features a frieze with carved lozenge and brass medallions resting on larger columns with gilt bronze Doric capitals and bases on each side. The paneled case door opens to reveal a freestanding weight-driven pendulum. The lower base features hand carved scrolling pilasters on each side. All raised on a carved plinth base.

It's known as an eight-day clock but it should be wound every seven days. It's driven by two weights — one driving the pendulum or time (left) and the other the striking mechanism or chime (right). These movements have a keyhole or winding hole on either side of the dial face. To wind the clock, use the cranked winding key, stored inside the trunk, and wind in a clockwise direction. It's important that you fully wind both the time and the chime at the same time. The original pendulum and two weights make it run very smoothly with a quiet tick-tock. It's been completely checked and cleaned up. Keeps time perfectly and strikes a clear chime on the hour and half hours.

Dimensions:
h - 102.5"
w - 29.5" with crown; body w - 26"
d - 14" less