French Bronze Clock, S. XIX

This extremely beautiful golden bronze clock with porcelain face is nearly a work of art because of the detailed hand-engraved decoration that boasts its box and the nice hand-painted porcelain face. It is an antique piece made in France in the 19th century that has survived to our days in great condition. The movement has been revised and fine-tuned and works perfectly. The clock keeps all its original pieces and component parts and the movement bears the engraved manufacturers mark and name: Japy Frères.The clockmaker company Japy Frères et Cie was founded in Beaucourt, France, in 1777. It is one of the most famous makers of antique clocks in France. That year, Frédéric Japy started making clocks and soon he founded his company. Japy kept on in business with his three sons and the firm became one of the most important clockmakers in France. This mantel clock is a good example of the quality of Japy Freres work. Together with the manufacturers mark, in the movement we can see the serial number 2382 engraved in the metal.The clocks design is baroque and full of details. The box stands on a wide and solid base with four legs. It is square-shaped and is supported by a series of volutes, shields and other symmetrically disposed bronze pieces. The dome that crowns this clock is a singular piece, not only because of its fine making: it can be removed so the clock acquires a completely different look. The face, on the other hand, is made of bronze and white porcelain with hand-painted black Roman numbers and red decorative details.This clocks originality, together with its history and striking design, turn it into a unique piece worthy of a museum of decorative arts.Measurements: Width: 24 cm/9.4 in. Height: 42 cms/16.5 in.