~ Mid 19th Century French Japy Freres Cast Metal Mantle Clock ~
A wonderful timepiece by the french company Japy Freres dating to the mid 1800's.
The clock is housed in a cast metal case reminiscent of a church tower or similar. It is very ornate and typical of the Victorian era.
It seems maybe to made from two types of cast metal. The body seems to be of brass with a silver metal finish (areas of wear show a brassy finish below). The feet look more to be cast steel.
The case is highly decorative with pierced grill panels, ornate side handles, a pierced dome top with dragon style motifs and a pierced ball finial.
The clock stands on four feet with a pierced grill base between.
The metal dial has enamel hour markers painted with black Roman numerals. It is covered with a hinged glass door.
The pendulum driven movement has the 'Japy Freres' stamp with the medal of honour motif first seen in the 1850's.
It is also stamped with a serial no. Of '12990' and the initials 'EB'.
~ Dimensions ~
The clock measures 20cm (8 inches) wide, 15cm (6 inches) deep with a height of 46cm (18 inches).
It weighs 6.09 Kg.
~ Condition ~
When standing, one foot is raised from the ground a millimeter or thereabouts, so the clock will need a thin wedge to steady it.
There are areas of wear, showing a brassy finish beneath (see photos). The fence-like decoration round the top half has been a little compressed to one edge.
Two of the dials hour markers have lost a little of the enamel.
Despite some cosmetic wear and the fact the clock could do with a good clean, it presents really well and is really a great statement piece to have on the mantle.
