Fantastic Wall Clock with Carved Solid Wood Case. France, Circa 1870

Impressive wall clock completely made of solid oak wood, with carvings and moldings performed by hand. It is a French clock with 8-day Paris movement that chimes the hours and the halves. Though being quite old, this clock is in excellent condition: the movement is original and has been fine-tuned so it currently works like new. The box boasts a wonderful walnut color, with the oaks deep veneer and the decorative carvings standing out in the design. The clocks box is shaped like a shield, with a central circular face directly carved in the wood. The black Roman numbers are painted on white-enameled brass plates embedded in the wood. The hands are beautiful, quite stylized and with a nice medieval-inspired design. The face bears an inscription in white lettering that has been partially erased. Surrounding the circular face we can see a series of low-relief recess panels that separate it from the carved border. The boxs border is quite attractive. As stated before, it has been profusely hand-carved with volutes and garlands. On both sides, the panes roll to grab the high-relief garlands, full of gaps where the wood has been completely removed; this kind of decoration fills the design with lightness. At the top, the clock is adorned with a classic crowning piece composed of vegetal-inspired volutes and carvings. This great artisanal work provides the clock with an unmistakable attractive, fully decorative and state-of-art. This French clocks spectacular presence, together with its ancient age and magnificent working, turns it into a very special piece that any lover of antique clocks will appreciate. Measurements: Width: 43 cm. Height: 63 cm.