Auction Lot 718-749

Early Comtois clock withe brass dial and single hand by J. Mayet of Morbier

J. Mayet, Morbier, France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, brass chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals, brass alarm ring with engraved Arabic numerals, pierced brass spandrels and engraved plaque below the dial reading "J. Mayet a Morbier", single brass hand, all topped with a pierced brass fronton.
Estimate: $2,500.00 - $3,500.00

Condition Report: Small, early case with the time train on the right and alarm components on the left. Teardrop shaped screws holding the movement together. Surface rust on iron plates, arbors, and posts. Nicely turned support for the crown wheel arbor. Small feet on the movement uprights. There is a thin crack on wood winding drum. The suspension shroud measures 4 inches in height. The clock comes with an old weight, two alarm weights and a period chain pendulum with ram's horn nut on the bottom. The Mayet family of ironworkers are credited with having developed the first Comtoise / Morbier clocks after repairing a clock at a convent in Saint-Claude. Based on the one initial on the dial engraving, location, and time period, this clock was almost certainly made by Jean Baptiste Mayet. A Comtoise clock from Morbier by the family that developed the style is a rare and collectible item. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on June 2nd, 2012 as lot number 18.

Dimensions: 6.25in x 12in x 5.25in

Circa: 1730

Quarter-striking Comtoise clock made by F. Farjaire of St. Etienne

F. Farjaire, Saint-Étienne, France, three train Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and quarter strike with alarm, three bells, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, brass chapter with Roman numerals, Arabic numerals at 5 minute intervals on the outer rim, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, two iron hands, pivoted brass winding arbor shutters, engraved plaque with the maker's name, all topped by pierced brass fronton.
Estimate: $2,000.00 - $3,000.00

Condition Report: Brass chapter, alarm ring, and maker's plaque are in good condition. Significant rust on the iron hands. The door on the right will need to have its hinge pins repaired. The wood winding drums have cracks. There is rust on the iron movement parts. Small feet on the movement uprights. Turned iron escape wheel support. Four-bladed iron fly on both trains. Suspension shroud is 5.75 inches high. The clock strikes the hours and alarm on the large bell and the quarters on the two smaller bells. The clock comes with three large lead weights that are probably later. No pendulum. F. Farjaire is known to have made and very rare Comtoise clock with rotating moon some time around 1760. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 17.

Dimensions: 9in x 16in x 5.75in

Circa: 1750

Early Comtoise with central alarm, high suspension shroud, and nicely made movement

France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, brass chapter ring with Roman numerals, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, pivoted winding arbor shutters, single pierced brass hand, all surmounted by a pierced brass fronton.
Estimate: $2,000.00 - $2,500.00

Condition Report: Well made brass hand. Brass chapter ring is in good condition. Straight brass strip on the right side of the fronton is absent and the opposite side is cracked. Hinge pins on the doors will need to be repaired. There is some surface rust on the iron movement components. Many hand-finished decorative elements within the movement. Turned and faceted crown wheel arbor support. Finely cut crown wheel in the verge escapement. Short, but wide feet on the movement uprights. The time train is located on the right side of the clock and strike train on the left side. The clock has an unusual centrally-located alarm mechanism. It also employs an uncommon double-legged vertical rack, half of which is lightly built. The clock comes with two newer weights and no pendulum.

Dimensions: 6.75in x 13in x 5.25in

Circa: 1740

Comtoise lantern clock with Chevalier de Béthune escapement and worm & screw governor

France, Comtoise lantern clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with Chevalier de Béthune escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron posted iron frame, brass chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals, brass alarm ring with engraved Arabic numerals, two iron hands, all surmounted by a cast brass fronton and four turned iron finials.
Estimate: $2,000.00 - $3,000.00

Condition Report: The brass chapter ring is particularly thick, as is the cast fronton on top of the clock. Thick iron hands. The movement is fairly clean with some light rust on some of the iron parts. The arbors are very robust. The bell is embossed with "Louis Duboi au Puy ". This is a fascinating clock with many unusual features. The clock has a wonderful example of the Chevalier de Béthune escapement which resides above the top plate. The pallets for this unusual recoil escapement are mounted on two independent arbors that are associated by pivoting connection between them. An oversized thumb screws allows the escapement drops to be adjusted. This escapement is featured in Tardy's chapter on "La Pendule Louis XV ". The clock also features a worm and screw assembly within the strike train and a foliot type governor rather than the more traditional fly. The frame that supports the screw has a beautiful fan shape ornament on the bottom. The clock comes with weights, but no pendulum. No provision for sides or back are evident. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on June 2nd, 2012 as lot number 49.

Dimensions: 8in x 15in x 6in

Circa: 1740

Early signed and dated Comtoise clock with rare Chevalier de Béthune escapment variant

Blondeau, Châtelblanc, France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike, weight driven movement with Chevalier de Béthune escapement variant, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, brass chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, pivoted winding arbor shutters engraved with "Blondeau / 1734 / Chatel Blanc", single pierced brass hand, the top sides and front with one piece arcaded gallery with integrated pierced and engraved brass fronton.
Estimate: $1,800.00 - $2,200.00

Condition Report: The brass dial is in good condition. Nicely made brass hand. The alarm mechanism is absent. The bell impinges on the suspension shroud in the back and fronton in the front so it may be too large. Height of suspension shroud is 4.25 inches. It is uncommon to find engraving on the brass hand and fronton. Cut steel pinion on the end of the second wheel arbor to drive the hand. Both 2nd wheel arbors have turned and faceted steel arbors. The second wheel in the strike train has an astonishing 12 crossings. It also has an old replaced tooth. The strike train employs a counterweight, rather than a spring, which is more typical of Comtoise clocks that come 150 years later. Heavy iron fan with two blades. The movement uses a variant of the rare the Chevalier de Béthune escapement. Introduced in the 1720s, the maker of this clock put it to use in 1734. In this version, the pallets are each mounted to their own arbors and associated mechanically via a crutch-like linkage between them. It was found to be less reliable than the anchor escapement which required fewer parts and had fewer points of friction. A slightly more sophisticated version of this escapement is shown in Tardy's treatment of movements for Louis XV clocks. Châtelblanc, the location engraved on one of the winding arbor shutters, is just a few miles Northeast of Morbier.

Dimensions: 6.5in x 12in x 5in

Circa: 1734

Early Comtoise clock with one hand signed by Brocard en Comté

Brocard, Comté, France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, brass chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals, brass alarm ring with engraved Arabic numerals, flat brass fleur de lis spandrels and pivoted winding arbor shutters, engraved plaque below the dial reading "Brocard en Comté", single pierced brass hand, all topped with a pierced brass fronton.
Estimate: $1,800.00 - $2,500.00

Condition Report: The front of the clock is outlined with brass along the edges. Nicely made brass hand. The iron case parts and arbors have some surface rust. This clock has a somewhat smaller case than most. It is time only with the alarm components positioned on the right side. The suspension shroud measures 3.25 inches in height. The clock features a small, slightly offset bell. As with other early examples, the crown wheel is thin with shallow teeth. The crown wheel arbor support is nicely turned from iron. Many nice ornamental screws hold the case together. This clock has a truly unusual set of bevel gears that allow the time to be set with a key from the back or the side. The clock comes with an old weight, two small alarm weights, and a period pendulum with a ram's horn nut. Though there are only a handful of known examples, Brocard is regarded as one of the finest makers of Comtoise clocks of the Mayet period. Other examples list the maker's full name as "P. A. Brocard ".

Dimensions: 6.5in x 11.5in x 5in

Circa: 1730

Early Comtoise clock with uncommon rack strike, alarm location, and time train layout

France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, brass chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals, brass alarm ring with engraved Arabic numerals, pivoted winding arbor shutters, single pierced brass hand, the top with pierced brass fronton.
Estimate: $1,800.00 - $2,500.00

Condition Report: Brass dial is in good condition. The use of brass borders on the front of the clock is a nice touch and not often seen. Very nicely made brass hand. The movement is mounted to the case with hand-wrought thumb screws. The back of the case has a wrought iron loop as well as two wall stand-offs spikes at the base. Tall suspension shroud, measuring 5.75 inches tall. Very heavy iron fan with four blades. Movement uprights have small feet. Nicely turned iron crown wheel arbor support. The crown wheel was cut with shallow teeth. The movement will need cleaning and proper cords installed to replace the old brass cable. There is some surface rust on the iron components. The door pins have been repaired and will need further attention. The large wheel that drives the single hand is located at the rear of the movement rather than directly behind the dial as is more typical. The clock employs an uncommon strike with a large curved rack pivoted on one end. The alarm mechanism with iron crown wheel is located in an unusual spot -- centrally behind the dial. The pendulum is a new replacement of the proper type.

Dimensions: 6.5in x 13.5in x 5in

Circa: 1735

Extraordinary Revolutionary Era Comtoise clock with rare French Rebuplican calendar

France, Revolutionary Era bronze-front Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike, day of the month and day of the week according to the French Republican Calendar, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, early enamel dial with concave center and convex chapter, Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numerals for the minutes and days of the month, four iron hands, date hands embellished with Phrygian caps, cast bronze fronton with sun and lion motifs, lower cast fronton with medallion engraved with the date.
Estimate: $1,500.00 - $2,000.00

Condition Report: The dial has been restored, as indicated by the writing on the back which reads "FD / 1981 ". It is in excellent condition. The movement is clean, and will need new weight cords. Iron fan with two blades. Iron movement uprights have distinct, but small stepped feet. Turned iron crown wheel arbor support. Suspension shroud measures 4 inches in height. The bell is signed "Triadou a Montauban ". The pendulum with folding flat iron rod has a brass bob that is quite dented. The weights are likely much later than the clock. The 1789 Revolutionaries adopted the Phrygian cap, originally worn by the inhabitants of Phrygia and the soldiers of ancient Persia. Seen as a symbol of liberation, these caps are represented in brass on the ends of both date hands. The calendar on the dial is that of the French Republic which used a standard 30 day month and a 10 day week. The year engraved on the brass fronton also used this calendar. The establishment of the Republic was used as the start date for the French Republican Calendar (in French, "Calendrier Républicain" or "Calendrier Révolutionnaire "). The legislative assembly declared September 22nd, 1793 as the beginning of Year II. That is the date engraved on the lower fronton of this clock as "L'an 2 ". This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 43.

Dimensions: 10.25in x 19.4in x 6.5in

Circa: 1793

Comtoise clock with 24 cartouche numerals, tall suspension shroud, and unusual strike mechanism

France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with two bells, weight driven movement, verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, cast brass dial with two iron hands, floral motif and inset with 24 white enamel cartouche numerals, blue Roman numerals for the hours and black Arabic numerals every five minutes, flat brass winding arbor shutters below the dial, and pierced brass fronton.
Estimate: $1,300.00 - $1,600.00

Condition Report: Beautifully cast dial with inset enamel cartouche numerals. All appear to be in very good condition. There is some light rust on the iron hands. Nicely made screws with chamfered corners as well as teardrop shapes to hold the movement together. Very tall suspension shroud measuring a full 6 inches in height. Four bladed iron fly. Simple turned crown wheel arbor support. Light rust on iron components of the movement. Iron plate on the back of the case is contoured for clearance of the pendulum. Unusual strike system triggering system with pierced heart shape on the end of the trip piece. The heart motif is also used for the hole through which the crutch passes. No weights or pendulum are included with this clock. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on June 2nd, 2012 as lot number 47.

Dimensions: 6.75in x 14in x 5.5in

Circa: mid 18th Century

Comtoise clock with rare Mayet escapement and double vertical rack strike system

France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with rare Maillet (or Mayet) escapement and unusual double vertical rack strike in a posted iron frame, cast brass dial with profile of young Louis XV with inset white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals, alarm ring with Arabic numerals, single pierced iron hand, brass spandrels above and pivoted winding arbor shutters below, all topped with a pierced brass fronton with floral motif.
Estimate: $1,200.00 - $1,500.00

Condition Report: There are fine cracks within several of the enamel panels. The dial casting and pierced fronton have some scratches, but are in good condition. The clock strikes the hours and the alarm on the large upper bell. The half hours are struck on the small lower bell. The larger bell is embossed with the name "Joseph Dubois ". There is light rust on some of the iron components of the movement. Iron fly with four blades. Nicely turned iron bell posts.Suspension shroud measures 3.5 inches in height. Back movement cover and both side doors are absent. No pendulum. This clock has a rare escapement attributed by Tardy in his work on "La Pendule Louis XV" to Maillet (also spelled "Mayet ") of Morbier. The escapement features a recoil type of escape wheel with the pallets similar to those found on verge escapements, but each mounted to independent arbors that are connected to each other by a pivoted linkage. The Mayet family is credited with developing the first Morbier/Comtoise clocks in the late 17th Century. The clock also has a rare strike system in which the commonly found vertical rack for gathering up the hours is supplemented with a second vertical rack that is engaged by the rack hook. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 29.

Dimensions: 8.5in x 13.5in x 5.5in

Circa: 1750

Comtoise clock with tall steeple, two bells, and enamel cartouche numerals

France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, cast brass dial with a profile of Prince Louis, Dauphin of France surrounded by laurels and fleur de lis, inset white enamel cartouches with Roman numerals, single pierced iron hand, applied brass fleur de lis spandrels above the dial and pivoted winding arbor shutters below, and brass plaque stamped with the words "FAIT POUR JEAN BAPTISTE RIPOZ A COMARET ".
Estimate: $1,200.00 - $1,500.00

Condition Report: Enamel numerals are in very good condition. Flat brass fronton is absent from the top of the clock. The side doors are missing. The clock has three hammers and two bells. The hours and alarm are struck on the lower, larger bell. The half hours are struck on the smaller, upper bell. Lower bell is embossed with "Joseph Dubois ". There are many nice construction details within the movement including a lightly made crown wheel, turned and faceted crown wheel arbor support, and decorative hardware. Four bladed iron fan. Movement uprights with small, but distinct feet. Suspension shroud is 5 inches tall. Pendulum leader is missing. No weights or pendulum are provided with this clock. Sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012, lot number 58.

Dimensions: 6.25IN x 13.5IN x 5IN

Circa: mid 18th Century

Early Comtoise with single brass hand, pewter dial, and hand-finished movement components

France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, pewter chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, pivoted brass winding arbor shutters with engraving, pierced brass fronton with engraving, and single brass fleur de lis hand.
Estimate: $1,200.00 - $1,600.00

Condition Report: The pewter dial has some tarnish, but is in good condition. The single brass hand is nicely made. Brass fronton and winding arbor shutters are all engraved, which is uncommon. The fronton has a vertical crack near the center that was repaired long ago. Very tall suspension shroud, measuring 6 inches in height. There is light rust on the iron case and movement parts. The case is held together with square screws on top and wedges at the back. Very nicely turned crown wheel arbor support. There is a significant number of hand-finished parts including the rack hook, spring levers, and arbor supports. Four bladed iron fan with heart-shaped piercings. This clock features an unusual two-arm vertical rack. The clock has two bells: the upper for the hours and the lower for half hour and alarm. Extremely small decorative contours at the base of movement uprights. No weights or pendulum are included with this clock.

Dimensions: 6.5in x 13.75in x 5in

Circa: First half of 18th Century

Oversize Comtoise clock with single iron hand and pewter chapter ring

France, oversize Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, 14 inch pewter chapter ring with Roman numerals, pierced brass spandrels, single iron hand in the form of a fleur de lis.
Estimate: $1,200.00 - $1,500.00

Condition Report: The rear plate of the iron case has a break with a very old riveted repair. Side doors are absent. The dial has some tarnish. The iron front is not a perfect square which confirms that this clock was intended for a case. Iron hand, posts, arbors, and plates with some surface oxidation. Simple, robust frame components within the movement with little ornamentation. Top of case shows both chamfer-head square screws and large taper pins. The tension spring on the four-blade iron fly is partially broken. Time side winding arbor is twisted. Height of suspension shroud is 3 inches. Large, loud bell. No pendulum or weights are included with this clock. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on June 2nd 2012 as lot number 4.

Dimensions: 14.25in x 19in x 6.5in

Circa: First half of 18th Century

Louis XV Comtoise with large thirteen piece enamel dial

France, Louis XV Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum, iron post and plate frame, dial composed of 13 enamel panels with Roman and Arabic numerals, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, two pierced brass hands, cast brass spandrels below the dial with putti supporting crowns, all topped by a cast brass fronton with sun emblem within a rococo design.
Estimate: $1,000.00 - $1,500.00

Condition Report: Three of the numeral cartouches have hairline cracks. There are small chips in the enamel around the winding arbor holes. Side doors open from back to front. It is also worth noting that the strike train is located on the left and time train is on the right. The suspension shroud is 3.25 inches tall. Turned iron supports for alarm crown wheel, bell, and escape wheel arbor support. Four bladed iron fan. Teardrop shaped screw heads hold the movement together. The clock uses three hammers: one to count the hours, a second to strike once on the half hour, and a third for the alarm. Unusual stirrup-shaped double sided alarm hammer. Some light rust on the iron components within the movement. The clock does not come with weights or a pendulum. This clock represents a fascinating midpoint in the evolution from the use of small enamel cartouche numerals to large once-piece enamel dials. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on June 2nd, 2012, as lot number 2.

Dimensions: 10.75in x 15.75in x 6in

Circa: 1750

Quarter-striking Comtoise clock with cartouche dial and winding arber shutters marked "A M"

France, bronze-front Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and quarter strike with alarm, three bells, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, cast brass dial inset with 12 white enamel cartouches showing Roman numerals, Arabic numerals at 5 minute intervals on the outer rim, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, two iron hands, pivoted brass winding arbor shutters engraved with "A" and "M", all topped by cast fronton depicting trumpeters flanking a small forward facing Gallic rooster.
Estimate: $800.00 - $1,200.00

Condition Report: White enamel panels with blue lettering are very good. Cast dial and fronton with nice detail. The iron hands have a fair amount of rust on the surface. There is also rust on the iron movement components. Both fans are iron with four blades each. The crown wheel was cut with shallow teeth. Turned lower support for the crown wheel arbor. Small perpendicular feet on the movement uprights. The quarters strike on the two smaller bells, while the hour and alarm sound on the large central bell. The movement will require some mechanical attention. All three bells with small casting defects. The door on the right side is absent. The alarm is located near the center of the movement. No weights or pendulum are included.

Dimensions: 8.25in x 14.5in x 5.75in

Circa: 1740

Oversized month-running Comtoise lantern clock with pewter dial

France, oversized Comtoise lantern clock, month running, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, rear-mounted thread suspension in a iron post and plate frame with turned brass feet in the front, pewter chapter ring with Roman numerals for the hours, outer ring with Arabic numerals every 5 minutes, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, pierced flat brass fronton and lower spandrels, and two brass hands.
Estimate: $700.00 - $1,000.00

Condition Report: Large pewter chapter ring has some tarnish and loss of black shellac within the numerals. Large brass hands with evidence of hand-finishing. Bell with striped pattern. Some light rust on iron posts and plates. Iron fan with four blades and large cut-outs. Movement uprights with distinct feet. The side doors are missing. The suspension shroud measures just over 4 inches tall. The clock does not come with weights or a pendulum. The time train weight will need to be larger than most for a Comtoise clock.

Dimensions: 10in x 17.5in x 6in

Circa: Second half of 18th Century

Comtoise lantern clock with rare Mayet escapment

France, Comtoise lantern clock, 30 hour, time and strike, weight driven movement with rare Maillet or Mayet escapement and atypical vertical rack strike with side mounted hammers, iron post and plate frame construction, brass dial with engraved Roman numerals, single brass hand, brass spandrels above and pivoted winding arbor shutters below, all topped with a pierced brass fronton with fleur de lis at the apex.
Estimate: $600.00 - $900.00

Condition Report: Brass components on the front have been cleaned and polished. They are bright and show very fine scratches. Iron back plate and side doors are absent. No suspension shroud, but it probably never had one. Suspension height is 2.5 inches. Light rust on steel components. Iron fly with four blades. Strike trip piece deliberately extents out the left side of the clock. The second wheel of the time train has an curious pinion with three trundles. This clock has a rare escapement attributed to Maillet (also spelled "Mayet ") of Morbier. The escapement features a recoil style escape wheel with the pallets similar to those found on verge escapements, but each is mounted to an independent arbor that are connected to each other by a pivoted linkage. The Mayet family is credited with developing the first Comtoise clocks in the late 17th Century. The clock also has an unusual variant on the strike system in which the teeth on one side of the vertical rack are offset substantially from those on the opposite side. It also employs two large hammers, both side mounted, for the hour and half hour strike. No pendulum or weights. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 4.

Dimensions: 7.5in x 13.5in x 5.5in

Circa: mid 18th Century

Restoration Period Comtoise clock with faïence dial, large hammer, and rear wind

France, Restoration Period bronze-front Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with rear winding arbors, verge escapement with thread suspension and front-hanging pendulum in an iron posted frame, convex faïence dial with Arabic numerals for the hours and smaller numerals at 15 minute intervals, alarm ring with Arabic numerals, two brass hands with sun bursts, cast brass fronton with central sun image above a single fleur de lis and flanked by putti, lower fronton casting with flowers and fleur de lis.
Estimate: $600.00 - $800.00

Condition Report: Glazed earthenware dial is excellent and possibly restored. Well made brass hands. Large bell with very large hammer suggests this was intended for a large or public space. Light rust on iron plates and arbors. The front-mounted suspension shroud is a mere 2.25 inches tall. Fly with four brass blades. Movement pillars have distinct feet with triangular gap between them. Turned bell stand. Unusual rear wind mechanism. It is possible that this clock was situated in a place where servants could discreetly wind the clock from the back via the opposite side of a wall. No weights or pendulum. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 3.

Dimensions: 10.75in x 19in x 6in

Circa: 1815

Early Comtoise clock with enamel numerals signed by Jean Baptiste Baud

Jean Baptiste Baud, Bellefontaine, France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, cast brass dial with birds, valances, and inset enamel cartouche numerals, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, single pierced iron hand, pivoted brass winding arbor shutters, and lower brass plaque signed "JEAN BAPTISTE BAUD A BELLE FONTAINE ".
Estimate: $600.00 - $800.00

Condition Report: Enamel numerals are in good condition, as is cast dial. Flat brass fronton is absent. Both doors are missing. The bell is signed "Joseph Dubois ". Light rust on iron movement parts. Turned iron crown wheel arbor support. Small decorative curves at the base of movement uprights. Four bladed iron fan. Suspension steeple measures 3.75 inches tall. The clock employs three hammers: one for to strike the hours, another for the half hour, and the last for the alarm. No weights or pendulum come with this clock. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 48.

Dimensions: 6.25in x 12in x 5in

Circa: 1745

Louis XV bronze-front Comtoise clock with 25 enamel panels

France, bronze-front Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement, verge escapement with thread suspension and rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, cast brass dial with inset white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals for the hours and black Arabic numerals for the minutes, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, two pierced steel hands, applied brass spandrels below the dial, and topped with a cast fronton featuring a forward facing Gallic rooster over a medallion with three fleur de lis.
Estimate: $500.00 - $700.00

Condition Report: Enamel panels are in very good condition. There is light rust on most of the iron parts including plates, arbors, and pillars. Four bladed iron fly with large cutouts on the interior. Movement pillars have no feet at the base. Vestigial appendage on the end of the strike trip piece. The suspension shroud is 4.25 inches high. The clock employs three hammers: one strikes the hours, another the half hours, and a third is for the alarm. Finely made steel hands have some surface rust. The clock does not come with weights or a pendulum. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 14.

Dimensions: 8.5in x 13.5in x 6in

Circa: 1750

Comtoise clock with cartouche numerals, one hand, and two stacked bells

France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, cast brass dial signed "P I M" with inset white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals, alarm ring with Arabic numerals, single iron hand, topped by a pierced brass fronton.
Estimate: $500.00 - $700.00

Condition Report: The clocks strikes the hours on one bell and the half hours on another. Outer edge of the brass dial shows 5 minute intervals. While this may seem strange for a clock with a single hand, there are many such examples. Some experts speculate that these dials were made for clocks having either one or two hands. There is light rust on the iron plates, arbors, and pillars. Lightly built crown wheel. The suspension shroud is 4.75 inches high. Small feet protruding at right angles from the movement pillars. Heavy four-bladed iron fly. No weights or pendulum come with this clock. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 20.

Dimensions: x x

Circa: 1740

Bronze-front comtoise signed by F. Farjaire

France, bronze-front Louis XV Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with alarm, verge escapement with thread suspension and rear-hanging pendulum in a posted frame, enamel dial with concave center and convex chapter, Roman numerals for the hours, large Arabic numerals at 5 minute intervals, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, two pierced iron hands, the clock is signed "F. Farjaire / À St. Étienne" on an enamel panel below the dial, cast bronze fronton with the Gallic rooster.
Estimate: $400.00 - $600.00

Condition Report: Enamel dial is excellent. Cartouche with maker's name is very legible. Cast fronton is in good condition. Iron hands are well made. Very small amount of surface rust on some iron parts. Back plate and side doors are missing. Turned escape wheel arbor support. Medium-sized stepped feet at the base of movement pillars. Dovetailed appendage for center arbor support. Iron fly with four blades. Suspension shroud is 4.75 inches tall and has no rear cover. No weights or pendulum. F. Farjaire is known to be the maker of a very rare comtoise with a rotating moon complication. The clock in this lot was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 35.

Dimensions: 8in x 16in x 6in

Circa: 1760

Brass dial Comtoise clock with single hand and trademark stamped fronton

France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, brass chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals, alarm dial with Arabic numerals, single brass hand, applied brass spandrels and pivoted winding arbor shutters, topped by flat pierced brass fronton with trademark.
Estimate: $400.00 - $600.00

Condition Report: Tarnish and polishing residue on brass chapter ring. Rust spots on iron plates, posts and arbors. Turned escape wheel arbor support. Small stepped feet on movement uprights. Movement strikes the hour with one hammer and the half hour with another. A third hammer is for the alarm. Robust four-bladed fly. Bell decorated with turned stripes. The bell has two small holes which are the result of a casting flaw. Flat brass fronton has a crowned "R" in the center. Suspension shroud is 4.5 inches tall. Rear panel of clock has contoured section to provide clearance for the pendulum. No weights or pendulum come with this clock.

Dimensions: 7.5in x 13.5in x 5in

Circa: first half of the 18th Century.

Comtoise lantern clock with cartouche numerals and pin wheel escapement

France, Comtoise lantern clock, 30 hour, time and strike, weight driven movement with rare pin wheel escapement, iron frame and feet, rear mounted thread suspension, cast brass dial with profile of Louis XV and inset with 12 white enamel cartouches with Roman numerals, outer ring with Arabic numerals every 5 minutes, cast bronze fronton with trumpeters flanking a medallion topped by the Gallic rooster, two iron hands.
Estimate: $400.00 - $600.00

Condition Report: Two of the enamel panels have hairline cracks. The medallion on the fronton probably featured the fleur de lis, a symbol of the monarchy. The area has been filed off and smoothed, probably after the French Revolution when such symbols were politically dangerous. The lower fronton has a spot reserved for a single enamel panel, but it is now empty. The bell is signed "Dubois ". The movement has brass plates top and bottom and to support the arbors. The crutch has broken off and will need to be reattached. There is some light rust on the iron posts, arbors, and hands. The sprocket that drives the time train is loose on its arbor. No weights or pendulum are included. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 5.

Dimensions: 8.5in x 15in x 5.5in

Circa: mid 18th Century

Comtoise lantern style clock with cartouche numerals and unusual asymetrical movement

France, Comtoise lantern clock, 8 day, time and strike, weight driven condensed movement with verge escapement, wire suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron posted case with hammered brass doors, cast brass dial with inset white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals, brass outer ring with Arabic numerals every 5 minutes, two steel hands, topped by cast bronze fronton featuring trumpeters and a forward facing Gallic rooster, all sitting on four turned brass feet.
Estimate: $400.00 - $600.00

Condition Report: Two of the applied enamel cartouches have fine hairline cracks, but they are overall very good. Cast fronton is very nice. Lower cartouche for the maker's name is missing. Bell is absent. Brass movement mounting posts are a departure from the iron posts in most Comtoise clocks. The crutch acts directly on pendulum leader with no linkage necessary. Unusual asymmetrical movement places the winding arbors in unconventional locations on the dial. New cords on wood winding drums. The movement appears to be clean. Indistinct letters or arrows are scribed into the top and bottom of brass doors. No weights or pendulum come with this clock.

Dimensions: 8.25in x 14in x 3.75in

Circa: mid 18th Century

Comtoise lantern clock with pewter dial and fleur de lys spandrels

France, Comtoise lantern clock, 8 day, time and strike, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in a iron post and plate frame, pewter chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals, single brass hand, applied brass fleur de lis spandrels and pivoted winding arbor shutters, all resting on four turned brass feet, and topped by flat pierced brass fronton flanked by four turned brass finials.
Estimate: $400.00 - $600.00

Condition Report: There is some tarnish on the pewter chapter ring and a bit of a casting flaw around the numeral "VI ". Heavy brass hand. There are rust spots on iron plates, pillars, and arbors. There is no suspension shroud, but it may never have had one. Cast bell is embossed with "Dubois Au Puy" in two places. Movement uprights are straight at the base. Iron fly with four blades. Small turned door knobs are unusual. This clock does not come with weights or a pendulum. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 40.

Dimensions: 7.25in x 15in x 5.5in

Circa: 1740

Month-running Comtoise clock with enamel cartouche numerals

France, month-running Comtoise clock, 30 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement, verge escapement with thread suspension and rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, cast brass dial with inset white enamel cartouche numerals with blue Roman numerals, outer ring with Arabic numerals every five minutes, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, two brass hands, applied brass spandrels and pivoted winding arbor shutters, all topped by a pierced brass fronton.
Estimate: $400.00 - $600.00

Condition Report: Most of the cartouche numerals are good. Four have hairline cracks, but there are no losses. Suspension shroud measures 4.75 inches tall. The bell is a modern replacement that is a bit too small. The movement has been well-maintained with almost no rust. New braided cords have been installed on the wood winding drums. Small feet on movement uprights. Four bladed iron fan. Five wheels in the time train with the motion work being driven off of the third. This clock will require a larger-than-usual weight for the time train. Right door has a hinge pin that will need repair. No weights or pendulum come with this clock.

Dimensions: 8.5in x 15in x 6in

Circa: mid 18th Century

French Restoration Period month-running Comtoise clocks

France, month-running Comtoise clock, 30 day, time and strike, weight driven movement, verge escapement with thread suspension and rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, white enamel dial with concave center and convex chapter, Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals every five minutes, two pierced iron hands, pivoted brass winding arbor shutters below the dial, all topped by a cast fronton featuring the sun flanked by putti and displaying the star symbol used during the French Restoration Period.
Estimate: $400.00 - $600.00

Condition Report: Early "creuse" shaped enamel dial has some hairline cracks and a few repaired areas on the edge and where the mounting posts are located. Cast fronton had a small casting flaw on the left side of the sun. Black portions of the case have been repainted. The bell is a replacement and a bit too small. The movement is clean and has new red cord on the wood winding drums. The strike train has five wheels with the motion works being driven off of the third. Four bladed iron fly with large cutouts along the arbor. Wide feet on the movement uprights. Suspension shroud is 4.25 inches tall. The time train will require a larger-than-usual weight to power this clock. No pendulum or weights are included.

Dimensions: 9.5in x 16in x 5.75in

Circa: 1820

Comtoise clock with enamel cartouche numerals and royal symbols on dial

France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and strike, weight driven movement, verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, cast brass dial with royal symbols including a crown resting on the earth and profile of a young Louis XV or his son The Dauphin, white enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals, single iron hand, four flat brass spandrels, topped by pierced flat brass fronton, mid 18th Century.
Estimate: $300.00 - $400.00

Condition Report: Enamel cartouche numerals are very good. Turned escape wheel arbor support. Both doors are missing. Strikes the hours on one bell and the half hours on another. Small stepped feet on movement uprights. Four bladed iron fan, not overly heavy and more carefully made than most. Suspension shroud is 3.5 inches tall. Modern weight cords have been installed on wooden winding drums. Turned iron bell stand. Clock does not come with weights or pendulum. Dirt and oil in the leaves of the pinions will require cleaning.

Dimensions: 8.5in x 14in x 5.5in

Circa: mid 18th Century

Comtoise lantern clock with glazed earthenware dial

France, Comtoise lantern clock, 8 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, early faïence dial with raised portions under each Roman numeral, outer ring with Arabic numerals every five minutes, two steel hands, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, topped by a cast brass fronton with image of the sun / Apollo flanked by two turned iron finials, all standing on tapered iron feet.
Estimate: $300.00 - $500.00

Condition Report: The thick earthenware dial is in good condition with a small discoloration on the number "XI" and tiny chips around the winding arbor holes. Hand-finished iron hands. Wood winding drums were carved to shape rather than turned. Very light construction on the inverted crown wheel, indicating its age. Notched iron fly with four blades. Small feet on movement uprights. Suspension shroud measures 3.75 inches tall. Contoured case back provides clearance for pendulum leader. It is notable that the time train is on the right side of the clock and the strike train on the left. Doors on both sides are absent. The clock does not come with weights or a pendulum. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 13.

Dimensions: 8.5in x 13.25in x 5in

Circa: mid 18th Century

Napoleonic era Comtoise wall clock with portrait and Imperial eagle

France, Comtoise wall clock, 8 day, time and strike, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with front-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate case with white enamel convex Roman numeral arcaded dial with Arabic minutes, polychrome floral decoration above the 6 o'clock position, two brass sunburst hands, cast brass fronton, the lower portion with a central tree flanked by cornucopias, the top with a profile of Napoleon below the crowned eagle symbol of the Empire.
Estimate: $300.00 - $400.00

Condition Report: White enamel dial is in excellent condition. The brass hands and fronton are also very good. There is a modern machine screw holding one half of the lower fronton. Modern washer between the hands. There is surface rust on the steel parts within the movement. Wide feet on upright movement pillars. Brass fly. The tree on the fronton represents liberty, while the cornucopia signify the abundance of nature. The profile of Napoleon and the presence of the Imperial Eagle in the fronton casting places this clock from 1804 to 1814. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012 as lot number 38.

Dimensions: 9.5in x 19in x 6.25in

Circa: 1810

Quarter striking and month-running Comptoise clocks

(1) France, Comtoise clock, 8 day, time and quarter strike, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with rear-hanging pendulum in an iron post and plate frame, convex white enamel dial with Roman numerals for the hours, two pierced brass hands, cast bronze fronton featuring the sun and/or Apollo, flowers, and a sheaf of wheat, c1800; (2) France, month-running Comtoise clock, 30 day, time and strike with alarm, weight driven movement with verge escapement, thread suspension with front-hanging pendulum in a posted iron case, convex faïence dial with Roman numerals for the hours, and Arabic numerals at the quarters, brass alarm ring with Arabic numerals, two brass hands, cast eagle spandrels, and cast fronton with central sun and eagle images, c1810.
Estimate: $400.00 - $600.00

Condition Report: (1) Enamel dial has a small losses at the 4 O'clock position and around the three winding arbors. There are also many fine hairlines. Missing spandrels or lower fronton casting. Short rear suspension shroud measures 2.75 inches in height. The clock strikes the quarters in ting-tang fashion on the two smaller bells and the hours on a single larger bell, which is now absent. The movement is clean and the weight cords modern. Four blade iron fan. Movement uprights spread at the bottom to form feet. (2) Faïence dial is in excellent condition. Cast spandrels and fronton are very good. Light rust on iron components. Both doors are absent. Suspension shroud measures 4.5 inches tall. The prevalence of the eagle symbol suggest that this clock was made during the rule of Napoleon, who preferred it to the Gallic rooster. The strike train has five wheels with the motion works being driven off of the third wheel in the train. The time train will require a larger-than-usual Morbier weight. No pendulum or weights with this clock. This clock was sold by Ivoire Saint-Etienne on October 13th, 2012, lot number 21. Dimensions are for the month running clock. (2). Sold "as is ".

Dimensions: 10.5in x 17in x 6in

Circa: