A French comtoise clock, with a white enamel dial with Roman…
click the photo to enlarge
A French comtoise clock, with a white enamel dial with Roman numerals set within a pressed brass surround with a decorative bezel and scrolled spandrels, the pendulum and weights set within a slender glazed walnut case with a shaped pediment and base. Height 151 cm. Width 39.5 cm. Depth 21 cm

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Spandrel - An architectural term that in horology refers to the triangular ornamental decoration in the corners of of the dial plate. The spandrels are usually of cast brass and may be additonally chased and engraved. On painted dial clocks the spandrels are also usually painted.
  • Bezel - On a clock or watch, the bezel is the metal frame into which the watch or clock glass is fitted. In clocks, the bezel may include a hinge and a flange, in effect a door to the face of the clock. In jewellery the bezel is a band of metal with a projecting lip that holds the gemstone in its setting.
  • Pendulum - The pendulum was discovered around 1602 by Galileo Galilei, and was adopted for time keeping by the Dutch mathematician and natural philosopher, Christiaan Huygens, who excelled in astronomy, physics, and horology.

    The pendulum comprises a metal rod usually of brass or steel with a metal disk, known as a bob, at the end. The movement of the pendulum is driven by weights or a spring, and as a pendulum swings in a regular arc, it was found accuracy could be controlled to within a few seconds a week.

    Timekeeping can be adjusted by changing the height of the bob on the rod, making the pendulum either swing slower or faster.

    The disadvantage of the pendulum was that changes in temperature also changed the length of the pendulum, interfering with the accuracy of the clock, and so in the 18th century two types of mercurial pendulums were invented which countered the movement in the steel rod.

    The pendulum was the world's most accurate timekeeping technology until the invention of the quartz clock, regulated by a quartz crystal, in 1927.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

Rare pair of English mahogany collectors cabinets late 19th century, both with extensive folio drawers ideal for the coin collector, 93.5 cm high, 153.5 cm long, 60 cm deep

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Chinese hardwood long box with drawer, 20th century, probably used for seals, height 10, width 15, length 35 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Vintage carved oak settle with lift seat storage compartment and back that folds over to become a table, 122 cm wide approx

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Art Deco Moore and Wright grandfather clock, height 153 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.