ANTIQUE FRENCH BRASS CARRIAGE CLOCK & KEY. FULLY RESTORED AND SERVICED IN FEBRUARY 2012
Following careful restoration, this classic little clock is now close to its original condition – in fact, I don’t believe they come much better than this!!
CLOCK DIMENSIONS: Height (with handle folded down) 4 1/2 inches (11.5 cms); Width 3 inches (8 cms); Depth 2 1/2 inches (6 cms).
In February 2012, I completed the full restoration (case and movement including the escapement) of this Obis carriage clock which was manufactured in France in around 1900 ( probably specifically for the wealthy Victorian British market). It is in fine original condition.
CASE: Solid brass in good original condition. The top moulding holding the small rectangular inspection glass is cast brass – a sure sign of good quality. The base is also solid cast brass. The rear door – which opens and closes with satisfying precision – bears the manufacturers batch number 39; this number is repeated on the inside of each of the pillars. I dismantled, cleaned and polished the case and, rather than lacquering it, have given it a couple of coats of special wax polish to delay the tarnishing process (this also means it will be easier to give the clock a light clean in future). The whole clock is now in superb condition.
MOVEMENT: Beautifully made with original brass 7-jewelled cylinder escapement. The clock has a separate dial plate with the motion work sitting between the front plate of the movement and the dial plate – another feature that sets this clock apart from the standard carriage clocks of a similar vintage! All screws on the back plate have been attractively “blued”. I completely dismantled the movement having first checked it carefully for wear (none found). I then cleaned and polished it and, after reassembly, oiled it with appropriate grade clock oil. The 8-day movement works well and the clock keeps good time – the escapement, which I also dismantled, cleaned, polished and oiled, works robustly with excellent amplitude. The clock will not now need servicing again for years.
DIAL: The cream coloured enamel-on-copper dial is original and in perfect condition. Somewhat unusually, the black numbers are in arabic script. The chapter ring and numbers are crystal clear. The polished blued-steel hands are also original to the clock: they too are in perfect condition.
GLASSES: The five 3mm thick bevelled glasses are all made from top quality greenish optical glass. There is a really tiny chip to the top right corner of the left side glass which really does not notice on display: I mention it only for the sake of accuracy. The other four glasses are all in perfect condition.
KEY: The clock comes with a classic double-ended brass key which fits the arbours very snugly: one end is for winding the movement and the other is for adjusting the hands. I really cannot tell whether or not the key is original to the clock; it looks as though it is! A fast/slow adjustment lever is accessed through the opening rear door.
PACKAGING (new double boxes) and POSTAGE (Special Delivery, tracked and insured) UK £10.00; EU £17.50 (approx. 20 Euros); Elsewhere £25.00.
THIS ANTIQUE FRENCH CARRIAGE CLOCK IS IN TRULY OUTSTANDING CONDITION
I pack carefully, post very promptly and have 100% positive feedback . I hope therefore that you feel you can : good luck if you decide to do so!!
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