French Triple Dial Perpetual Calendar Mantel Clock
This impressive French mantel clock is an amalgamation of the horological, mechanical, and scientific complexities of the late 1800s. Such clocks were luxury items and likely produced for custom orders, certainly a status symbol that would have had a place of prominence in the Victorian home. This fine example is presented in a case of luxurious black marble embellished with gilt foliate engravings and accents of richly banded malachite inlays. Its form takes on nuances of the Industrial Revolution.
Keeping the time within is an 8-day mechanical movement with a temperature-compensating mercury pendulum. A clear bell strike marks the hour and half-hour. The time displays on the large central hand-painted porcelain dial appointed with Roman numerals and trident-style hands. A recessed center allows visibility of the Brocot escapement and jeweled pallets. The lower left moonphase calendar dial is fitted with subsidiary day, date, and month dials; and the perpetual calendar adjusts for leap years as indicated by the Bissex abbreviations. At the lower left is a barometer and Centigrade thermometer dial.
And, finally, this clock has been restored and bears a one-year warranty. A truly remarkable clock that represents the legendary mechanics of its time, with great aesthetic appeal and presence.
21″H x 21″W x 7″D
Circa 1885