October 2021
AMAZING CLOCK! AMAZING PRICE! £550 or try an offer.
Another beautiful Danish Bornholm clock, as usual in perfect working order, runs for 8 days, strikes the hours on a bright strident bell and comes complete with weights, pendulum and winding key.
I want to let this clock go for around half price because I need to make room for more on the way.
The movement I have lightly cleaned and correctly oiled.
The silvered dial with blue centre is less usual than the plain white painted dial.
The scrawl on the seatboard indicates that the maker was N.A.S. (or maybe N.A.F.) Jensen with a date of 23rd December 1871. The number of his output to date being recorded as 6511.
I’m based in leafy Cheltenham but I will deliver free within a 50 mile radius. Further afield, I’ll deliver for a small charge for petrol.
I want to let this clock go for around half price because I need to make room for more on the way.
The movement I have lightly cleaned and correctly oiled.
The silvered dial with blue centre is less usual than the plain white painted dial.
The scrawl on the seatboard indicates that the maker was N.A.S. (or maybe N.A.F.) Jensen with a date of 23rd December 1871. The number of his output to date being recorded as 6511.
I’m based in leafy Cheltenham but I will deliver free within a 50 mile radius. Further afield, I’ll deliver for a small charge for petrol.
March 2021
Environment - friendly Danish Bornholm clock £600.00. Or try an offer. Sorry, just recently sold.
It’s GREEN!!!!!!
This green and pleasant art installation uses no fossil fuels, issues no smoke, harmful gases or poisonous fumes, doesn’t need plugging in, or a loaf of bread tossing into it every now and then. Even provides you with mild exercise when you wind up the two heavy weights at the week’s end. AND… it tells the time and strikes the hours.
It’s done this for nigh on 200 years, so there’s an even chance it will go on doing so for the next 200 years.
If you buy this clock you might even quality for a grant from the Department of the Environment. Worth a try I think.
The maker, Christian Holm, has various dates attaching to his entry in ‘Danske Standure og Danske Urmagere’ quoting 1810 to 1837 and showing 1855 on the dial. See also, repairers’ marks on the seatboard.
NEVER HEARD OF BORNHOLM CLOCKS… ?
On the dark and stormy (maybe) night of 15th/16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered
off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian styling.
There are many accounts of this event on French, Swedish, US and, of course, Danish websites. None of the versions is recycled from another. Sometimes the ship was The Hollandia. Sometimes the captain was one Cornelius Jansen deGroot. Sometimes the ship was wrecked, capsized or just lost its way.
But always the date was the 15th/16th of November, the year 1744 and the number of English long case clocks exactly five. Thus, five injured English long case clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely
less than $3,000.
This green and pleasant art installation uses no fossil fuels, issues no smoke, harmful gases or poisonous fumes, doesn’t need plugging in, or a loaf of bread tossing into it every now and then. Even provides you with mild exercise when you wind up the two heavy weights at the week’s end. AND… it tells the time and strikes the hours.
It’s done this for nigh on 200 years, so there’s an even chance it will go on doing so for the next 200 years.
If you buy this clock you might even quality for a grant from the Department of the Environment. Worth a try I think.
The maker, Christian Holm, has various dates attaching to his entry in ‘Danske Standure og Danske Urmagere’ quoting 1810 to 1837 and showing 1855 on the dial. See also, repairers’ marks on the seatboard.
NEVER HEARD OF BORNHOLM CLOCKS… ?
On the dark and stormy (maybe) night of 15th/16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered
off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian styling.
There are many accounts of this event on French, Swedish, US and, of course, Danish websites. None of the versions is recycled from another. Sometimes the ship was The Hollandia. Sometimes the captain was one Cornelius Jansen deGroot. Sometimes the ship was wrecked, capsized or just lost its way.
But always the date was the 15th/16th of November, the year 1744 and the number of English long case clocks exactly five. Thus, five injured English long case clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely
less than $3,000.
March 2021
Unassuming Danish Bornholm clock £750.00. Or try an offer.
This clock has just been sold.
This shy and retiring clock is in full working order. Runs for 8 days. Strikes the hours on a clear bright bell. The movement I have lightly cleaned and oiled sparingly with the correct clock oil. The silver coloured chapter ring indicates an early clock dating from 1800 to 1820. It comes complete with pendulum, weights and correctly sized winding key.Height is a civilised 196 cm.
In common with all the Danish Bornholm clocks I’ve handled, this one hasn’t been bounced around the auction rooms over the years and so doesn’t carry the scars, bumps and bruises of that kind of life. Just a charmingly weathered early 19th C. example of this elegant genre.
NEVER HEARD OF BORNHOLM CLOCKS… ?
On the dark and stormy (maybe) night of 15th/16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian detailing.
There are many accounts of this event on French, Swedish, US and, of course, Danish websites. None of the versions is recycled from another. Sometimes the ship was The Hollandia. Sometimes the captain was one Cornelius Jansen deGroot. Sometimes the ship was wrecked, capsized or just lost its way. But always the date was the 15th/16th of November, the year 1744 and the number of English long case clocks exactly five.
Thus, five injured English clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely less than $3,000.
In common with all the Danish Bornholm clocks I’ve handled, this one hasn’t been bounced around the auction rooms over the years and so doesn’t carry the scars, bumps and bruises of that kind of life. Just a charmingly weathered early 19th C. example of this elegant genre.
NEVER HEARD OF BORNHOLM CLOCKS… ?
On the dark and stormy (maybe) night of 15th/16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian detailing.
There are many accounts of this event on French, Swedish, US and, of course, Danish websites. None of the versions is recycled from another. Sometimes the ship was The Hollandia. Sometimes the captain was one Cornelius Jansen deGroot. Sometimes the ship was wrecked, capsized or just lost its way. But always the date was the 15th/16th of November, the year 1744 and the number of English long case clocks exactly five.
Thus, five injured English clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely less than $3,000.
March 2021
Danish Bornholm clock £650.00. Or try an offer. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
THE CLOCK
This tasteful and understated clock is in full working order. Runs for 8 days. Strikes the hours on a clear bright bell. The movement I have lightly cleaned and oiled sparingly with the correct clock oil. I have had the dial professionally, and faithfully, repainted.
There is a pull repeat feature whereby earlier owners could tell the hour during the night without having to light a candle to see the dial.
It comes complete with pendulum, weights and correctly sized winding crank.
Height is a civilised 196 cm.
In common with all the Danish Bornholm clocks I’ve handled, this one hasn’t been bounced around the auction rooms over the years and so doesn’t carry the scars, bumps and bruises of that kind of life.
Just a charmingly weathered early 19th C. example of this elegant genre.
NEVER HEARD OF BORNHOLM CLOCKS... ?
On the dark and stormy (maybe) night of 15th / 16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian styling.
There are many accounts of this event on French, Swedish, US and, of course, Danish websites. None of the versions is recycled from another. Sometimes the ship was The Hollandia. Sometimes the captain was one Cornelius Jansen deGroot. Sometimes the ship was wrecked, capsized or just lost its way. But always the date was the 15th/16th of November, the year 1744 and the number of English long case clocks exactly five.
Thus, five injured English clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely less than $3,000.
Danish Bornholm clock £650.00. Or try an offer. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
THE CLOCK
This tasteful and understated clock is in full working order. Runs for 8 days. Strikes the hours on a clear bright bell. The movement I have lightly cleaned and oiled sparingly with the correct clock oil. I have had the dial professionally, and faithfully, repainted.
There is a pull repeat feature whereby earlier owners could tell the hour during the night without having to light a candle to see the dial.
It comes complete with pendulum, weights and correctly sized winding crank.
Height is a civilised 196 cm.
In common with all the Danish Bornholm clocks I’ve handled, this one hasn’t been bounced around the auction rooms over the years and so doesn’t carry the scars, bumps and bruises of that kind of life.
Just a charmingly weathered early 19th C. example of this elegant genre.
NEVER HEARD OF BORNHOLM CLOCKS... ?
On the dark and stormy (maybe) night of 15th / 16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian styling.
There are many accounts of this event on French, Swedish, US and, of course, Danish websites. None of the versions is recycled from another. Sometimes the ship was The Hollandia. Sometimes the captain was one Cornelius Jansen deGroot. Sometimes the ship was wrecked, capsized or just lost its way. But always the date was the 15th/16th of November, the year 1744 and the number of English long case clocks exactly five.
Thus, five injured English clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely less than $3,000.
October 2020 SORRY, NOW SOLD
Danish Bornholm clock by J.C. Lindtner. £1,150.
Of all the tastefully chalk painted Bornholm clocks I’ve handled, this apricot gem is the most pleasant.
Imagine how it would look in your sitting room or hall.
Features:
The maker, Johan Casper Lindtner is signed on the dial. His surname initial appears scratched on the back of the dial. And his full initials: J C L are stamped into the rear brass plate of the movement, along with the number (of his clocks to date) ‘No. 1209’. This number is also stamped on the base of the pendulum rod. There is a repairer’s mark on the seatboard: ‘W969H’ and the date: *3.7.67* (1867 I assume).
So… oozing with originality here.
THE HISTORY OF BORNHOLM CLOCKS
On the dark and stormy night of 15th / 16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian styling.
I’ve seen many accounts of this story on French, Swedish, US and, of course, Danish websites. None of the versions is recycled from another. Sometimes the ship was The Hollandia. Sometimes the captain was one Cornelius Jansen deGroot. Sometimes the ship was wrecked, capsized or just lost its way. But always the date was November 15th/16th, the year 1744 and the number of English long case clocks exactly fivThus, five injured English long case clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely less than $3,000.This clock is for collection from leafy Cheltenham. Or I will deliver at a cost of 20p per mile within a 50 mile radius. So a 100 mile round trip = £20.00Cash on delivery / collection, or bank transfer would be my preferred method of payment.
Imagine how it would look in your sitting room or hall.
Features:
- Curved sides to hood - Not rare but unusual.
- Hood glass, ripples and dimples - Means it’s original / never been replaced.
- Case colour: amazing apricot - Rare. Only 19 of the 1,450 clocks illustrated in my ref. book ‘Danske Stature og danske urmagere’ are this colour.
The maker, Johan Casper Lindtner is signed on the dial. His surname initial appears scratched on the back of the dial. And his full initials: J C L are stamped into the rear brass plate of the movement, along with the number (of his clocks to date) ‘No. 1209’. This number is also stamped on the base of the pendulum rod. There is a repairer’s mark on the seatboard: ‘W969H’ and the date: *3.7.67* (1867 I assume).
So… oozing with originality here.
THE HISTORY OF BORNHOLM CLOCKS
On the dark and stormy night of 15th / 16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian styling.
I’ve seen many accounts of this story on French, Swedish, US and, of course, Danish websites. None of the versions is recycled from another. Sometimes the ship was The Hollandia. Sometimes the captain was one Cornelius Jansen deGroot. Sometimes the ship was wrecked, capsized or just lost its way. But always the date was November 15th/16th, the year 1744 and the number of English long case clocks exactly fivThus, five injured English long case clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely less than $3,000.This clock is for collection from leafy Cheltenham. Or I will deliver at a cost of 20p per mile within a 50 mile radius. So a 100 mile round trip = £20.00Cash on delivery / collection, or bank transfer would be my preferred method of payment.
August 2020 Just sold.
An early elegant Bornholm clock just in.
£400.00 or offer.
Full working order. Runs for 8 days. Strikes the hours on a clear bright bell. And has a pull repeat feature which allowed original owners to sound the bell to get the time during the night without going to the trouble of lighting a candle to see the dial.
This wonderful clock was made by Jorgen Hartvig Hammer, b: 1810. d: 1894, in the small village of Aakirkeby on the island of Bornholm.Assuming he started work at age 20 and retired at 60, the clock could be somewhere between 150 and 190 years old. According to my reference book on Bornholm clocks (which cost me more than some of the clocks I handle) the scrawl on the back of the dial is proof that this is the work of Herr Hammer (see pic)
The movement I have lightly cleaned and oiled sparingly with the correct clock oil.The case came to me in a hideous, dazzling white gloss paint. I quickly changed that to a muted and chalky Annie Sloan ‘Country Grey’. - Annie Sloan’s colour chart could easily represent every Bornholm clock ever built.The dial is showing its age. I don’t believe in over restoring my clocks. I like to think that they need to display their journey through the years to date.It comes complete with pendulum, weights and correctly sized winding crank.Height is a civilised 217 cm.This clock is for collection from leafy Cheltenham. Or I will deliver at a cost of 20p per mile within a 50 mile radius. So a 100 mile round trip = £20.0Cash on delivery / collection, or bank transfer would be my preferred method of payment.
This wonderful clock was made by Jorgen Hartvig Hammer, b: 1810. d: 1894, in the small village of Aakirkeby on the island of Bornholm.Assuming he started work at age 20 and retired at 60, the clock could be somewhere between 150 and 190 years old. According to my reference book on Bornholm clocks (which cost me more than some of the clocks I handle) the scrawl on the back of the dial is proof that this is the work of Herr Hammer (see pic)
The movement I have lightly cleaned and oiled sparingly with the correct clock oil.The case came to me in a hideous, dazzling white gloss paint. I quickly changed that to a muted and chalky Annie Sloan ‘Country Grey’. - Annie Sloan’s colour chart could easily represent every Bornholm clock ever built.The dial is showing its age. I don’t believe in over restoring my clocks. I like to think that they need to display their journey through the years to date.It comes complete with pendulum, weights and correctly sized winding crank.Height is a civilised 217 cm.This clock is for collection from leafy Cheltenham. Or I will deliver at a cost of 20p per mile within a 50 mile radius. So a 100 mile round trip = £20.0Cash on delivery / collection, or bank transfer would be my preferred method of payment.
May 2020
FINE DANISH BORNHOLM CLOCK by Mogens Peter Hartvig
1785 - 1837 SORRY, JUST SOLD
From the tiny island of Bornholm, the land of the painted long case clock, comes this plain, polished, pitch pine beauty.
It’s in perfect working order, runs for 8 days, strikes the hours on a bright bell and comes complete with pendulum, weights and winding key. It has a pull repeat feature whereby you can hear the hour last struck, or the next hour to strike. There is a small blemish on the dial.
The movement, with typically heavy brass plates, has been lightly cleaned and sparingly oiled with the correct clock oil, and fitted with new cords. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve beeswaxed the case. (I keep a soft cloth next to it and I give it a loving going over every time I walk past it).
To come across a Bornholm that’s never been painted is not exactly rare but it’s joyously unusual. The grain of the pitch pine shows more strongly the more you polish it.
The glass in the hood door shows all the ripples, dimples and bubbles of an original piece. The hands are matching brass. And in common with most Bornholm clocks, the trunk door shuts with a spring loaded bolt, not a lock.
Even though there is no name on the dial, I know this clock was made by Mogens Peter Hartvig - born in Nyker on the island of Bornholm
in 1785 - because his initials are scratched on the reverse (see pic).
According to my book on Bornholm clocks, this was a common practise of the makers (see pic). This book cost me more than some of the clocks I own so I’m inclined to believe whatever it says.
Assuming Herr Hartvig started making clocks at age 20 and worked right up to his death in 1837, this clock dates somewhere between 1806 and 1837, making it at least 180 years old, and at best, over 200 years old.
The height is a civilised 194 cm, Width across the base is 53 cm and it stands 23 cm off the wall.
This clock is for collection only. Or I can deliver within a 50 mile radius of leafy Cheltenham free of charge, when lockdown is sufficiently eased. OR I will happily work with your own courier. Payment by bank transfer of cash on collection / delivery
FINE DANISH BORNHOLM CLOCK by Mogens Peter Hartvig
1785 - 1837 SORRY, JUST SOLD
From the tiny island of Bornholm, the land of the painted long case clock, comes this plain, polished, pitch pine beauty.
It’s in perfect working order, runs for 8 days, strikes the hours on a bright bell and comes complete with pendulum, weights and winding key. It has a pull repeat feature whereby you can hear the hour last struck, or the next hour to strike. There is a small blemish on the dial.
The movement, with typically heavy brass plates, has been lightly cleaned and sparingly oiled with the correct clock oil, and fitted with new cords. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve beeswaxed the case. (I keep a soft cloth next to it and I give it a loving going over every time I walk past it).
To come across a Bornholm that’s never been painted is not exactly rare but it’s joyously unusual. The grain of the pitch pine shows more strongly the more you polish it.
The glass in the hood door shows all the ripples, dimples and bubbles of an original piece. The hands are matching brass. And in common with most Bornholm clocks, the trunk door shuts with a spring loaded bolt, not a lock.
Even though there is no name on the dial, I know this clock was made by Mogens Peter Hartvig - born in Nyker on the island of Bornholm
in 1785 - because his initials are scratched on the reverse (see pic).
According to my book on Bornholm clocks, this was a common practise of the makers (see pic). This book cost me more than some of the clocks I own so I’m inclined to believe whatever it says.
Assuming Herr Hartvig started making clocks at age 20 and worked right up to his death in 1837, this clock dates somewhere between 1806 and 1837, making it at least 180 years old, and at best, over 200 years old.
The height is a civilised 194 cm, Width across the base is 53 cm and it stands 23 cm off the wall.
This clock is for collection only. Or I can deliver within a 50 mile radius of leafy Cheltenham free of charge, when lockdown is sufficiently eased. OR I will happily work with your own courier. Payment by bank transfer of cash on collection / delivery
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April 2020
Danish Bornholm clock just in: £1,100 or try an offer. SORRY. JUST SOLD This statuesque Danish Bornholm clock has just come to me from the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea - where else?It runs for 8 days, strikes the hours on a big bright bell and is in perfect working order. It was beautifully and lovingly built by Christian Ipsen, 1745 - 1804 and numbered 429. This impressive clock is 230 cm tall, so not for the low ceilings amongst us. Comes complete with pendulum, weights, correctly fitting winding crank and a trunk door key that would be more fitting for the Tower of London. The glass panel to the hood door is missing and, at the time of writing given the crazy world we’re living in, I can’t get it replaced for love nor money. (I will if things change). |
This classic Comtoise clock has been standing in the dining room of our house in Spain, keeping watch over us for nearly 25 years. It's back in England now because I'm selling the house, and now the clock. As usual: 8-day striking on a bell and repeating the hour strike 2 minutes after. Pull repeat feature which repeats the hour last sounded. Lovely though it is, it hasn't travelled through 160 years and, to my knowledge, two countries, without collecting a few bumps and bruises on the way. The two glass panels have cracks across them. But the glass is original, old and rippled, and I'd sooner have the original glass with cracks than new without.
Height is an impressive 236 cm.
Height is an impressive 236 cm.
JUNE 2019. OCTOBER 2019 - ALL THREE VINEYARDS ARE NOW SOLD. BUT SOME LOVELY, CUDDLY BORNHOLM CLOCKS STILL AVAILABLE.
email for details/collection/delivery: holmesonthemove@gmail.com
email for details/collection/delivery: holmesonthemove@gmail.com
If you can get your hands on the March Issue of ‘CLOCKS magazine’ there’s an article I wrote about Bornholm clocks so you won’t need to read any further here. Although, if you scroll down, there’s more info on this wonderful and largely unknown genre. Usually painted in light, chalky colours (the next clock), this Bornholm is in natural oak and beautifully polished. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours on a bright sounding bell. There is a pull repeat feature whereby you can sound the last hour to be struck. Height is a civilised 192 cm. The (very) faded dial tells us it was made by Johan W Blauman who, according to my reference book on Bornholm clocks, was the father of Frans Blaaman b.1774, d.1837 His initials: J W B are scrawled on the back of the dial.
If you’re good at maths, you’ll be surprised, as I was, that this case has journeyed through a couple of centuries incredibly unscathed, apart from a professionally replaced piece of beading on the base and a missing bit of detail on the front (pictured). I had thought of having the dial repainted, but this clock is so ‘unmolested’ that I feel it would be wrong to do so. I would strongly prefer cash on collection from Cheltenham, or I will deliver within a 50-mile radius of Cheltenham at no cost. THE SECOND BORNHOLM FOR SALE: £500.
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MARCH 2019 THREE DANISH BORNHOLM CLOCKS FOR SALE.
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A FRENCH ‘OEIL-de-BOEUF WALL CLOCK IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER. FOR SALE £250
SORRY. NOW SOLD.
This charming French clock has spent too many years in my house and it’s now time for someone else to enjoy it. Also I need the space for more clocks. (My wife just needs the space!)
It runs for 8 days, strikes the hours and half hours on a resonant spiral gong and, in common with all Comtoise clocks, it strikes the hour again at two minutes past. It comes complete with pendulum and perfectly fitting bow key.
The case, for a 120-year-old clock, is in near perfect condition. I’ve recently given it a couple of generous coats of beeswax and treated the movement to a light clean and the correct clock oil. The frame hinges upwards and is held open with a strut so that you can wind the clock and move the hands when necessary.
The dial is 24 cm across and the overall diameter is 38 cm.
Importantly, the movement is a Comtoise movement, known to be long lasting and bullet proof and preferable to the smaller brass ‘Paris’ movements which don’t seem to make the journey into the 21st Century at all well.
The manufacturing period for these clocks runs from around the 1880s to the onset of the First World War.
'P. Bodin', on the dial beneath the 12 is the original retailer of the clock and ‘St. Pierre du Chemin’ above the 6 is the village, in the Pays de la Loire in north west France where he had his place of business.
The postcard, shown is from this very village and will come to you if you buy this clock. This delightful clock would make an amazing Christmas present… FOR YOU !!!
SORRY. NOW SOLD.
This charming French clock has spent too many years in my house and it’s now time for someone else to enjoy it. Also I need the space for more clocks. (My wife just needs the space!)
It runs for 8 days, strikes the hours and half hours on a resonant spiral gong and, in common with all Comtoise clocks, it strikes the hour again at two minutes past. It comes complete with pendulum and perfectly fitting bow key.
The case, for a 120-year-old clock, is in near perfect condition. I’ve recently given it a couple of generous coats of beeswax and treated the movement to a light clean and the correct clock oil. The frame hinges upwards and is held open with a strut so that you can wind the clock and move the hands when necessary.
The dial is 24 cm across and the overall diameter is 38 cm.
Importantly, the movement is a Comtoise movement, known to be long lasting and bullet proof and preferable to the smaller brass ‘Paris’ movements which don’t seem to make the journey into the 21st Century at all well.
The manufacturing period for these clocks runs from around the 1880s to the onset of the First World War.
'P. Bodin', on the dial beneath the 12 is the original retailer of the clock and ‘St. Pierre du Chemin’ above the 6 is the village, in the Pays de la Loire in north west France where he had his place of business.
The postcard, shown is from this very village and will come to you if you buy this clock. This delightful clock would make an amazing Christmas present… FOR YOU !!!
PLEASE NOTE - ALL THE CLOCKS BELOW HAVE BEEN SOLD. BUT THERE ARE MORE ON THE WAY. I ONLY KEEP THEM ON THE WEB SITE SO THAT YOU CAN SEE THE STYLE AND QUALITY OF THE CLOCKS I DEAL IN.
TWO AMAZING DANISH BORNHOLM CLOCKS FOR SALE
AUGUST 2018
1. ANTIQUE DANISH BORNHOLM CLOCK 1782 - WITH ATTITUDE! PRICE £450.00
THIS CLOCKHAS NOW BEEN SOLD. (OCTOBER 2018). BUT 4 MORE ARE ON THEIR WAY...
It runs for 8 days, strikes on a healthy bright bell, the movement having been lightly cleaned and correctly oiled. It’s in perfect working order and dates, as you can see, from 1782. My reference books on Danish Bornholm clocks indicate that the engraved scrawl in the disc in the arch is likely to be the initials S.C.S. which is Sorensen Christoffer Stubbs, b.1751, d.1832. All of which fits with the date in the arch.
Now for the fun part:
Since my interest has expanded from Comtoise clocks to the Swedish Mora and the Danish Bornholm, I’ve found the Scandinavian horologists to be slightly, but pleasantly crazy. e.g. I’m currently restoring a Mora clock for a friend, which has a cuckoo feature on top of the movement, complete with bellows and a bird which pops out of a doorway at the top of the case.
Also, another Bornholm clock which I’m selling runs for exactly 11 hours - not 30-hours, not 8-days, like all other long case clocks.
And this clock is no stranger to ‘strangeness’.
If you look at the photographs, you’ll see that the winding holes are not
central !!
Also, you’ll see that no extra holes have been drilled, or old ones filled in on the brass front plate of the movement. So the discrepancy is entirely original. I think it’s amusing, quirky and a little bit crazy. And if I had house room I’d keep it in a heartbeat simply because of its one-off history.
It measures 209 cm tall, 50 cm across the base, and it stands 32 cm off the wall at the pediment.
I’ve painted over the virulent green it used to be with a tasteful Annie Sloan chalky mushroom and gilt detailing.
I can’t deliver this clock I’m afraid, but I’ll happily work with your own courier.
I would prefer payment by bank transfer, cheque or cash on collection in leafy Cheltenham.
AUGUST 2018
1. ANTIQUE DANISH BORNHOLM CLOCK 1782 - WITH ATTITUDE! PRICE £450.00
THIS CLOCKHAS NOW BEEN SOLD. (OCTOBER 2018). BUT 4 MORE ARE ON THEIR WAY...
It runs for 8 days, strikes on a healthy bright bell, the movement having been lightly cleaned and correctly oiled. It’s in perfect working order and dates, as you can see, from 1782. My reference books on Danish Bornholm clocks indicate that the engraved scrawl in the disc in the arch is likely to be the initials S.C.S. which is Sorensen Christoffer Stubbs, b.1751, d.1832. All of which fits with the date in the arch.
Now for the fun part:
Since my interest has expanded from Comtoise clocks to the Swedish Mora and the Danish Bornholm, I’ve found the Scandinavian horologists to be slightly, but pleasantly crazy. e.g. I’m currently restoring a Mora clock for a friend, which has a cuckoo feature on top of the movement, complete with bellows and a bird which pops out of a doorway at the top of the case.
Also, another Bornholm clock which I’m selling runs for exactly 11 hours - not 30-hours, not 8-days, like all other long case clocks.
And this clock is no stranger to ‘strangeness’.
If you look at the photographs, you’ll see that the winding holes are not
central !!
Also, you’ll see that no extra holes have been drilled, or old ones filled in on the brass front plate of the movement. So the discrepancy is entirely original. I think it’s amusing, quirky and a little bit crazy. And if I had house room I’d keep it in a heartbeat simply because of its one-off history.
It measures 209 cm tall, 50 cm across the base, and it stands 32 cm off the wall at the pediment.
I’ve painted over the virulent green it used to be with a tasteful Annie Sloan chalky mushroom and gilt detailing.
I can’t deliver this clock I’m afraid, but I’ll happily work with your own courier.
I would prefer payment by bank transfer, cheque or cash on collection in leafy Cheltenham.
2. ANTIQUE DANISH BORNHOLM LONG CASE CLOCK by LAUS SKRAEM 1780.
PRICE £400.00. Very sorry, now sold (Oct 2018)
Some facts first, before getting on to the riveting story behind this wonderful clock.
This is a 12 - hour clock, rope driven (new clock rope fitted) so needs winding morning and evening Most Scandinavian clocks are quirky like this. Originally a striking clock, the strike has been disabled by a previous owner (a blessing, possibly, for future owners). The movement, between two iron plates, has been dismantled, cleaned and correctly oiled.
It stands 222 cm tall, 53 cm across the front of the base and 32 cm off the wall at the pediment.
Now for the interesting part: I would never describe a clock as ‘unique’ unless I had very good reason to do so.
THIS CLOCK IS UNIQUE!
My researches on the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors, Inc. forum tells me that the copper spandrels depict a variation on the Medieval Christian theory and practice of the reflection of mortality: the Latin ‘MEMENTO MORI = REMEMBER, WE MUST DIE’.
Starting at the top right and going anti-clockwise: the olive branch signifying peace in life, the hour glass, the time we have to live, the cross is the faith we must sustain, leading to the inevitable… death, the skull and crossbones.
It’s my firm belief that this dial has been specially commissioned by a scholar, academic or academic institution. Behind the brass backplate is the original iron backplate, same shape and slightly smaller. The two spandrels in the arch and the disc bearing the inscription LAUS SKRAEM 1780 would have been taken from the original iron back plate, as was the pewter chapter ring (with full minute numbering). Laus is a corruption of Laurits - rather like David becomes Dave. On close examination, the attachment of the copper spandrels and the pewter chapter ring to the brass backplate is too professional to have been the Heath Robinson efforts of a loony earlier owner.
My surname is Holmes, so I have every faith in my detective skills!
I have two shelves of clock books in my house and I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I’ve never seen or heard of corner spandrels of this nature. All I’ve ever seen are cherubs, floral wreathes or nondescript designs.
For further interest, there are a couple of labels pasted to the inside of the trunk, and a pencilled date on the trunk door (see photos). I think the hour hand is a reproduction, but it’s a very good match for the minute hand.
The clock came to me from Denmark in a hideous blue and pink paint (a recent repaint). So I’ve repainted in an Annie Sloan chalk paint with gilt detailing - much more in keeping with genre.
I’m afraid I can’t deliver so this is for collection only. Or I will happily work with your own courier.
I WOULD PREFER PAYMENT BY CHEQUE, BANK TRANSFER OR CASH ON COLLECTION IN LEAFY CHELTENHAM.
PRICE £400.00. Very sorry, now sold (Oct 2018)
Some facts first, before getting on to the riveting story behind this wonderful clock.
This is a 12 - hour clock, rope driven (new clock rope fitted) so needs winding morning and evening Most Scandinavian clocks are quirky like this. Originally a striking clock, the strike has been disabled by a previous owner (a blessing, possibly, for future owners). The movement, between two iron plates, has been dismantled, cleaned and correctly oiled.
It stands 222 cm tall, 53 cm across the front of the base and 32 cm off the wall at the pediment.
Now for the interesting part: I would never describe a clock as ‘unique’ unless I had very good reason to do so.
THIS CLOCK IS UNIQUE!
My researches on the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors, Inc. forum tells me that the copper spandrels depict a variation on the Medieval Christian theory and practice of the reflection of mortality: the Latin ‘MEMENTO MORI = REMEMBER, WE MUST DIE’.
Starting at the top right and going anti-clockwise: the olive branch signifying peace in life, the hour glass, the time we have to live, the cross is the faith we must sustain, leading to the inevitable… death, the skull and crossbones.
It’s my firm belief that this dial has been specially commissioned by a scholar, academic or academic institution. Behind the brass backplate is the original iron backplate, same shape and slightly smaller. The two spandrels in the arch and the disc bearing the inscription LAUS SKRAEM 1780 would have been taken from the original iron back plate, as was the pewter chapter ring (with full minute numbering). Laus is a corruption of Laurits - rather like David becomes Dave. On close examination, the attachment of the copper spandrels and the pewter chapter ring to the brass backplate is too professional to have been the Heath Robinson efforts of a loony earlier owner.
My surname is Holmes, so I have every faith in my detective skills!
I have two shelves of clock books in my house and I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I’ve never seen or heard of corner spandrels of this nature. All I’ve ever seen are cherubs, floral wreathes or nondescript designs.
For further interest, there are a couple of labels pasted to the inside of the trunk, and a pencilled date on the trunk door (see photos). I think the hour hand is a reproduction, but it’s a very good match for the minute hand.
The clock came to me from Denmark in a hideous blue and pink paint (a recent repaint). So I’ve repainted in an Annie Sloan chalk paint with gilt detailing - much more in keeping with genre.
I’m afraid I can’t deliver so this is for collection only. Or I will happily work with your own courier.
I WOULD PREFER PAYMENT BY CHEQUE, BANK TRANSFER OR CASH ON COLLECTION IN LEAFY CHELTENHAM.
THE CLOCKS BELOW HAVE ALL BEEN SOLD I'M AFRAID.
Please email me from the 'ABOUT AND CONTACT' page (above task bar) to enquire about any of these clocks. Sadly I can't deliver but I'll be happy to work with your own courier.
LATEST: ALL FIVE OF THESE CLOCKS HAVE JUST BEEN SOLD. BUT FOUR BORNHOLM CLOCKS ARE IN THE PIPELINE. WATCH THIS SPACE.
I'm afraid these clocks are selling rapidly. Maybe I've got my pricing all wrong!!
LATEST: ALL FIVE OF THESE CLOCKS HAVE JUST BEEN SOLD. BUT FOUR BORNHOLM CLOCKS ARE IN THE PIPELINE. WATCH THIS SPACE.
I'm afraid these clocks are selling rapidly. Maybe I've got my pricing all wrong!!
The Comtoise: a lovely old lady from the country town of FLERS in north west France. PRICE: £450 Sorry, now sold
Click on the pix below to enlarge.
This proud old clock is in full working order, runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and half hours on a deep, resonant spiral gong. This is not exactly rare, but less usual than striking on a bell
In common with all Comtoise clocks, it repeats the hour strike after about two minutes, and has a pull repeat cord whereby earlier owners could find out the hour during the night without having to light a candle to look at the dial.
According to lots of pencilled scrawl by the cabinet maker, on the back board, it dates from around 1887. I could be wrong about this, but it fits with style of the clock.
The ornate pendulum bears the lettering ‘E (or G) C’ and ‘DEPOSE’ . Based on my previous researches, ‘E (or G) C’ would be the person responsible for the repousse design and ‘DEPOSE’ is to do with patent protection.The enamelled dial, usually quite plain, has an attractive pink cartouche design round each of the roman numerals. The hands are matching brass. And the movement, encased in its protective box with both side doors (usually missing) in place, has been correctly cleaned and oiled. New cords are also fitted.The case has collected its fair share of bumps and scratches over the last 130 years or so, so please don’t expect flat pack IKEA. If you’ve looked at my previous sales, you’ll know I don’t believe in over-restoring. These wonderful machines still have a long way to go and should justifiably continue to carry the evidence of their journey through life. It comes complete with the correct value weights and the correctly fitting Comtoise winding crank. This old girl is a tall one - 230 cm. So check your ceiling heights. I should add that the numbers 1 - 31 on the dial indicate that this clock once had a working calendar feature, the mechanism of which behind the dial has, sadly, been removed at some earlier point in the clock's life.
Also, I've just noticed at the bottom of the fronton, a dog and a cat having a slight contretemps... !
In common with all Comtoise clocks, it repeats the hour strike after about two minutes, and has a pull repeat cord whereby earlier owners could find out the hour during the night without having to light a candle to look at the dial.
According to lots of pencilled scrawl by the cabinet maker, on the back board, it dates from around 1887. I could be wrong about this, but it fits with style of the clock.
The ornate pendulum bears the lettering ‘E (or G) C’ and ‘DEPOSE’ . Based on my previous researches, ‘E (or G) C’ would be the person responsible for the repousse design and ‘DEPOSE’ is to do with patent protection.The enamelled dial, usually quite plain, has an attractive pink cartouche design round each of the roman numerals. The hands are matching brass. And the movement, encased in its protective box with both side doors (usually missing) in place, has been correctly cleaned and oiled. New cords are also fitted.The case has collected its fair share of bumps and scratches over the last 130 years or so, so please don’t expect flat pack IKEA. If you’ve looked at my previous sales, you’ll know I don’t believe in over-restoring. These wonderful machines still have a long way to go and should justifiably continue to carry the evidence of their journey through life. It comes complete with the correct value weights and the correctly fitting Comtoise winding crank. This old girl is a tall one - 230 cm. So check your ceiling heights. I should add that the numbers 1 - 31 on the dial indicate that this clock once had a working calendar feature, the mechanism of which behind the dial has, sadly, been removed at some earlier point in the clock's life.
Also, I've just noticed at the bottom of the fronton, a dog and a cat having a slight contretemps... !
|
The straight-sided Mora. PRICE £450. Sorry, now sold.
Click on the pix below to make them larger. Dated1851, this Mora clock runs for eight days and strikes the hours with two hammers on two bells (as do all Mora clocks). It has a pull repeat feature whereby early owners could find the hour during the night without lighting a candle to see the dial.The movement has been lightly cleaned, correctly oiled and the clock comes complete with weights, pendulum and winding key. The case is in incredible condition to say it’s travelled through 160-plus years. The shape, in Sweden, is referred to as ‘male’, whereas most Mora clocks are the more obvious ‘female’ shape.
The dial is the original paint and arabic numerals. Most Mora dials have been rather clumsily repainted. Now… the reason you’ve read this far, encouraged by the low Buy-Now price, is that the strike is best described as quirky. Yes, it strikes every hour on two bright bells. But sometimes it strikes one more strike than the hour indicated. Then it strikes the next hour correctly. And no, it never strikes 13. So if you’re not into counting the number of strikes, you’d never notice any imperfection. What I must emphasise, is that you’ll never be sitting there at, for instance 3 o’clock, and hear the clock strike 11. When the discrepancy happens, it’s always only one strike adrift. Sorry for the essay, but just need to be clear… The going train is completely unaffected by this, and runs perfectly. Measurements are: Height - 207 cm. Width - 55 cm. Depth - 24 cm. The Buy-Now price of £450 compares with £1,295, £1,200, £3,450 and £3,750 currently listed on eBay (excepting my other Mora clocks also listed). |
The unusual 'Chinoiserie' Mora dating from 1798. PRICE £1250. Sorry, now sold.
Click on the pix below to make them larger. This impressive Mora clock is highly unusual - can’t say it’s exactly rare, but this style of Mora hardly ever becomes available for sale.The gilt and partly silvered design, on the ebonised base, is so thickly applied that it stands proud of the surface, making a convincing case for it being original, and matching the date - 1798 - inscribed on the inside of the trunk door. This would make the clock one of the earliest produced (the period runs, approximately, from 1750 to 1880 when the mass produced German and American clocks signalled the demise of the Swedish domestic clockmaking industry. If you look carefully at the photographs, you’ll see that the typographical style of the 1798 fits with the numerals on the dial, typical of all Mora clock dials (roman numerals excepted).
The glass to the dial has all the dimples, ripples and imperfections that signify the original fitting. This clock runs for one week and strikes the hours with a delightful ‘ting-tang’ ring with two hammers on two bells. There is also a pull repeat feature. It has been lightly cleaned, correctly oiled and comes complete with weights, pendulum and a major-looking winding crank. There has been some new wood in the backboard, presumably to repair woodworm damage in the past. (There is none now). It’s a giant amongst Mora clocks. The height is 217 cm. The lower base is 64 cm at its widest and it stands 24 cm off the wall. A 300 YEAR OLD MORA CLOCK FOR £300 !!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, now sold.
Click on the pix below to make them larger. Yes. You read it correctly - £300 for a very elegant and early - 1713 - Mora long case clock. The case, repainted in Annie Sloan chalk paint, and gilt, is in first class condition, with a sympathetic repair to the base. The metal dial has a pewter chapter ring with full minute numbering and is signed and dated ANDERS GOTBARG 1713. The matching brass hands are typically (and correctly) Swedish in their design.
The ridiculously low price is because the clock runs for a couple of hours and then stops. Mora clocks are notoriously sensitive and temperamental and I have so much work backing up that I have neither the time nor the inclination to get to the bottom of the problem. Plus, I need the space. (I can’t believe I’m doing this!) So I’m selling it as a non runner and / or a decorative and thoroughly interesting piece of furniture. Obviously, because the going train doesn’t run, it doesn’t operate the strike. But you can sound the strike yourself - a delightful ‘ting-tang’ sound with two hammers on two bells - by pulling the pull repeat cord. (See photo). It’s 207 cm tall, 44 cm across at its widest point and stands 23 cm off the wall It has its pendulum, weights, even winding key in case you wanted to have the movement (which is complete) professionally repaired at some later date. At which time, you’d have a clock worth way over £1,000. A quick eBay search lists 3 battery-operated Moras at $1,795, $2,749 and £470. 2 non-working at £1,295 and £1,200. And 2 repro and battery-operated, at £560 and $749. The Bornholm with an intriguing history. PRICE £850 or make an offer. Sorry, now sold.
Click on the pix below to make them larger. According to the story passed down with this exceptional clock, it spent some time in Copenhagen Railway Station in the middle of the 19th C. (See ‘History’ below). The movement’s pillars indicate the Empire period - 1800 to the late 1820s, ref: Bodil Tornehave’s book ‘Bornholmske Urmagere’ (see pic).
It’s in full working order, runs for 8 days, strikes the hours on a bell and comes complete with pendulum, weights and winding crank. The substantial brass movement has been lightly cleaned and correctly oiled. And as you can see from the photograph, it has had the attention of Master Clockmaker Hr. Victor Christiansen at one time. Also, the dial has been signed on the back by the original maker, or possibly the dial painter. There is a pull repeat feature (see pic). THE HISTORY OF BORNHOLM CLOCKS On the dark and stormy night of 15th / 16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian styling. Thus, five injured English long case clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely less than $3,000. THE HISTORY OF THIS CLOCK The first Copenhagen railway station was built of wood, outside the city limits where foundations were not required. Woefully unfit for purpose, it was replaced by a brick structure in 1864, with a planned tunnel beneath the city to Osterport station. This clock was either presented to, or commissioned by, Danske Statsbaner - the Danish State Railway - to commemorate the change from wood to brick construction. This story could be little more than a fanciful notion, embroidered somewhat as it was passed from owner to owner over the last 150 years or so. I’m not sure I personally believe it. Although it has to be said, the ‘brick-look’ base with its tunnel portal is very substantial and, in common with the rest of the case, very well constructed. It certainly doesn’t have the feel of being tampered with or vandalised by some loony past owner. Having handled many long case clocks, I feel I can tell the difference between originality and meddling. Nonetheless, it remains a beautiful Bornholm clock. All I’ve done to the case is replace the worn beading strips around the base and painted over the awful sky blue it came with in Annie Sloan chalk paint in a tasteful ‘Versailles’ colour. It’s 210 cm tall and 47 cm across the base. So a very manageable size for the average sitting room or hallway. This clock has picked up it’s fair share of bumps and scrapes during its long journey through life - though not too many. So please don’t expect flat pack IKEA. The dial has been repainted and suffered a little flaking in a couple of places. The minute hand has been broken and repaired. And there is a crack in the glass of one of the side windows. If you were to buy this clock, you would not only have an appreciating asset, you would be the caretaker of something which sets you apart from the ‘…and this is our grandfather clock…’ brigade. And possibly, you would have a piece of the old Copenhagen Rail Station in your house. It’s for collection only. Or I’m happy to work with your own courier. I prefer payment by cheque or bank transfer - or cash if collecting from leafy Cheltenham. October 2017 This unusual Mora clock came to me in a very sad condition and I've just finished a full restoration. It has an hour hand only - no motion work between the dial and the front plate, a thick wooden dial, and runs for just a few days between (pull-up) winding. The dots between the numbers are four, not five. That's because they indicate the four quarter hours and not the five minutes between each number on the dial. It's a timepiece only - no strike and, for the above reasons, I believe it to be a very early example. Not for sale. Just for sharing info / news about a very special Mora. |
July 2017
Unusual Danish Bornholm clock. Pre-1853
FOR SALE £550 - SORRY, NOW SOLD.
THE CLOCK
This unusual (see below) painted and gilded clock is driven by two heavy weights, runs for 8 days, strikes the hours on a bright bell and is in perfect working order.
THE CASE
Painting and repainting in chalky white, blue, cream or russet was a common practise with Bornholm clocks when they were passed down from generation to generation. So don’t be put off by the evidence of repaints. It dates from at least 1853 (see below) so it has picked up its fair share of knocks and scuffs. So please don’t expect flat-pack IKEA. The trunk door locks. There are windows either side of the hood for viewing the movement. And the trapezoid base is a typical indicator of a genuine Bornholm.
THE MOVEMENT
The two train movement has been lightly cleaned, operates between two thick brass plates and is in fine condition. It winds with a correctly sized winding crank. The roman numerals on the metal dial are in gilt and the matching brass hands are original.
THE SIGNAGE
As you can see from the photos, there’s plenty of it. The custom, when these clocks changed hands, usually within the same family, was to scrawl a personal message on the trunk door. The repairers, over the years, also contributed.
Importantly, Hans Neilsen has signed the door - see photo - in 1853. Even though his initials also appear on the seat board, I doubt he was the maker. Although he does appear in Bodil Tornehave’s ‘BORNHOLMSKE URMAGERE’ as a maker b. 1810, d. 1859, which would fit. So, if he was a repairer, this gives an accurate date to the clock.
THE HISTORY LESSON
On the dark and stormy night of 15th / 16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian styling. Thus, five injured English long case clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely less than $3,000.
If you were to buy this clock, you would not only have an appreciating asset, you would be the caretaker of something which sets you apart from the ‘…and this is our grandfather clock…’ brigade.
It’s 199 cm tall, 55 cm across the base and 24 cm deep.
This unusual (see below) painted and gilded clock is driven by two heavy weights, runs for 8 days, strikes the hours on a bright bell and is in perfect working order.
THE CASE
Painting and repainting in chalky white, blue, cream or russet was a common practise with Bornholm clocks when they were passed down from generation to generation. So don’t be put off by the evidence of repaints. It dates from at least 1853 (see below) so it has picked up its fair share of knocks and scuffs. So please don’t expect flat-pack IKEA. The trunk door locks. There are windows either side of the hood for viewing the movement. And the trapezoid base is a typical indicator of a genuine Bornholm.
THE MOVEMENT
The two train movement has been lightly cleaned, operates between two thick brass plates and is in fine condition. It winds with a correctly sized winding crank. The roman numerals on the metal dial are in gilt and the matching brass hands are original.
THE SIGNAGE
As you can see from the photos, there’s plenty of it. The custom, when these clocks changed hands, usually within the same family, was to scrawl a personal message on the trunk door. The repairers, over the years, also contributed.
Importantly, Hans Neilsen has signed the door - see photo - in 1853. Even though his initials also appear on the seat board, I doubt he was the maker. Although he does appear in Bodil Tornehave’s ‘BORNHOLMSKE URMAGERE’ as a maker b. 1810, d. 1859, which would fit. So, if he was a repairer, this gives an accurate date to the clock.
THE HISTORY LESSON
On the dark and stormy night of 15th / 16th November 1744 a Dutch ship, out of England and bound for Estonia, foundered off the coast of Bornholm - a tiny island in the Baltic Sea. The islanders salvaged the cargo, amongst which were five English long case clocks. These clocks were repaired, restored and then copied, with the addition of some Scandinavian styling. Thus, five injured English long case clocks, gave us a selectively famous genre of clocks which are now appearing all over the world, especially in the US where the prices asked are rarely less than $3,000.
If you were to buy this clock, you would not only have an appreciating asset, you would be the caretaker of something which sets you apart from the ‘…and this is our grandfather clock…’ brigade.
It’s 199 cm tall, 55 cm across the base and 24 cm deep.
September 2016
Just got these three wonderful Black Forest dial repaints back from the amazingly talented Sara Harvey at:
www.dialpainter.com
Just got these three wonderful Black Forest dial repaints back from the amazingly talented Sara Harvey at:
www.dialpainter.com
June 2016
A clock called 'Tulips'
A French Vineyard clock in remarkable condition.
FOR SALE £275. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details.
A clock called 'Tulips'
A French Vineyard clock in remarkable condition.
FOR SALE £275. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details.
This clock runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and half hours on a spiral gong giving a very pleasantly muted resonance.It’s in first class condition with not a single chip, scratch or blemish on the ebonised frame.
The tulip-motif mother-of-pearl is unusually simple and not a single flake of it has lifted, not is any of it missing. An attractive feature of the mother-of-pearl is that it collects the ambient light and twinkles it back at you as you move past.
I have bought, brought back to life and sold many Vineyard clocks over the years and I’ve never come across one in such excellent condition. Even the glass, so often broken, is the original with the presence of bubbles showing early manufacture. The dial has some slight pitting of the paint. (Thank goodness something shows evidence of age. Otherwise you might think it came from IKEA last week!)
The tulip-motif mother-of-pearl is unusually simple and not a single flake of it has lifted, not is any of it missing. An attractive feature of the mother-of-pearl is that it collects the ambient light and twinkles it back at you as you move past.
I have bought, brought back to life and sold many Vineyard clocks over the years and I’ve never come across one in such excellent condition. Even the glass, so often broken, is the original with the presence of bubbles showing early manufacture. The dial has some slight pitting of the paint. (Thank goodness something shows evidence of age. Otherwise you might think it came from IKEA last week!)
June 2016
A different style of vineyard clock.
FOR SALE £275. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details.
A different style of vineyard clock.
FOR SALE £275. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details.
Different from the usual Vineyard clocks on two counts, this well ordered clock has arabic numerals where the norm is roman, and is the less well encountered 'square' two-tone frame. - The majority of Vineyard clocks produced from c1880 to c1914 are elliptical and in plain (but pleasant) ebonised finish. Runs for 8 days, strikes the hours and half hours on a spiral gong and is in (of course) perfect working order.
May 2016
Unusual small french 'Oeil-de-Boeuf' clock from the time of Napoleon 111.
FOR SALE £175. SORRY, NOW SOLD
Click on the button below for more detail
Unusual small french 'Oeil-de-Boeuf' clock from the time of Napoleon 111.
FOR SALE £175. SORRY, NOW SOLD
Click on the button below for more detail
This appealing French clock runs for 8 days, is a timepiece only (no strike) and comes complete with correct bow key and pendulum. It’s driven by a high quality ‘Paris’ movement, as evinced by the precise, adjustable escapement (see photo).
The case is ebonised hardwood and has seen its fair share of woodworm over the last 140 years or so, which is now long dead but has been treated anyway. Some of the intricate mother-of-pearl is missing from the dial surround. The frame hinges upwards, and has a supporting strut to hold it open for its weekly winding.
Outside diameter is 39 cm and the dial is just 23 cm across.
This is an extremely characterful clock, much smaller than the more usual elliptical ‘Oeil-de-Boeuf’ clocks, It has a healthy but quiet tick and that, plus the fact that it isn’t designed to strike, means it could be mounted anywhere in the house - even a bedroom.
The case is ebonised hardwood and has seen its fair share of woodworm over the last 140 years or so, which is now long dead but has been treated anyway. Some of the intricate mother-of-pearl is missing from the dial surround. The frame hinges upwards, and has a supporting strut to hold it open for its weekly winding.
Outside diameter is 39 cm and the dial is just 23 cm across.
This is an extremely characterful clock, much smaller than the more usual elliptical ‘Oeil-de-Boeuf’ clocks, It has a healthy but quiet tick and that, plus the fact that it isn’t designed to strike, means it could be mounted anywhere in the house - even a bedroom.
April 2016
French Vineyard clock c.1880 - 1890 - Others available.
FOR SALE £250. SORRY, NOW SOLD
Click on the button below for more details
French Vineyard clock c.1880 - 1890 - Others available.
FOR SALE £250. SORRY, NOW SOLD
Click on the button below for more details
This attractive, unfussy clock runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and half hours on a deep, resonant spiral gong. Just like its bigger brother - the famous Comtoise long case - it repeats the strike about two minutes after each hour. The sturdy iron cage Comtoise movement is long lasting and almost indestructible. I have stripped, cleaned, reassembled and tested it over a number of weeks.
The frame is finished in a light amber and ebonised black and is in excellent condition. What little woodworm there was has been thoroughly treated and was long dead anyway. The panel around the dial is a mother-of-pearl inlay which picks up the ambient light and reflects it right back at you, changing its appearance as you move past.
The dial is painted metal and has faded orange minute markers and 24 hour numerals which are typical - though not always present. The steel hands are original and matching. The bowed winding key is also original.
At the end of the Franco-Prussian war, German Black Forest clocks flooded the French market, practically duty-free and signalled the end of the domestic quality clock-making industry. The enterprising makers of the Comtoise/Morbier/Morez clocks fought back by putting a spring drive (instead of weights and cord) into their famous iron-cage movements used in the Comtoise long case, giving us the smaller, more convenient wall clocks we know today variously as ‘Vineyard’ clocks or ‘Oeil-de-Boeuf’ clocks. The whole period spanned little more than the last third of the 19thC. This clock, I would say, would have been made and sold sometime in the late 1880s/1890s.
The name on the lower dial is the town of Chateau-du-Loir (not to be confused with the river Loire) which is between Le Mans and Tours to the south west of Paris. The name above, Girard-Foucher, is the clock retailer in Chateau-du-Loir. In fact, could that be Monsieur Girard-Foucher with his bag of clockmakers’ tools, walking down the street towards us in the old postcard!!??
The clock measures 61 cm by 48 cm and stands 14cm from the wall.
The frame is finished in a light amber and ebonised black and is in excellent condition. What little woodworm there was has been thoroughly treated and was long dead anyway. The panel around the dial is a mother-of-pearl inlay which picks up the ambient light and reflects it right back at you, changing its appearance as you move past.
The dial is painted metal and has faded orange minute markers and 24 hour numerals which are typical - though not always present. The steel hands are original and matching. The bowed winding key is also original.
At the end of the Franco-Prussian war, German Black Forest clocks flooded the French market, practically duty-free and signalled the end of the domestic quality clock-making industry. The enterprising makers of the Comtoise/Morbier/Morez clocks fought back by putting a spring drive (instead of weights and cord) into their famous iron-cage movements used in the Comtoise long case, giving us the smaller, more convenient wall clocks we know today variously as ‘Vineyard’ clocks or ‘Oeil-de-Boeuf’ clocks. The whole period spanned little more than the last third of the 19thC. This clock, I would say, would have been made and sold sometime in the late 1880s/1890s.
The name on the lower dial is the town of Chateau-du-Loir (not to be confused with the river Loire) which is between Le Mans and Tours to the south west of Paris. The name above, Girard-Foucher, is the clock retailer in Chateau-du-Loir. In fact, could that be Monsieur Girard-Foucher with his bag of clockmakers’ tools, walking down the street towards us in the old postcard!!??
The clock measures 61 cm by 48 cm and stands 14cm from the wall.
April 2016
Imposing 18th C. 'Breton' long case clock in cherry wood
FOR SALE £600. OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details
Imposing 18th C. 'Breton' long case clock in cherry wood
FOR SALE £600. OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details
This simple, unfussy clock has a chain driven, early iron-framed lantern movement, runs for one day and strikes the hours and half hours on A VERY LOUD BELL.
The case, in a glowing cherry wood, has some minor bumps, bruises and a couple of splits due to drying and shrinking. Only to be expected during its 200 year journey into the 21st C. Woodworm is long dead but has been treated anyway. As you can see, there's not a nail or screw to be seen anywhere - just hardwood dowel. The straight sides, flat top, shaped feet and the two small carved discs are the defining characteristics of the Brittany clocks; made in small numbers, and of which there are not many left.
When the famous iron cage Comtoise movements arrived in Brittany in the early 1800s, this was the style of case in which they were housed. So coming across a Breton case still with its lantern movement, i.e. before the iron cage Comtoise movements appeared, is an unusual treat to say the least.
The handles to the three hood doors are in forged iron, as is the ornate bolt on the trunk door.
The glass in all three hood doors is original and full of bubbles and discrepancies - evidence of early cast glass.
The hands are matching brass, the single weight is cast iron and the pendulum is an adjustable iron rod with a heavy brass bob.
The dial is fired terracotta - in the same way as an ornate tile or dinner plate, with minute numbering at the quarter hours. Being such delicate items, these dials arrive in the 21st C in one of four states:
I’m always reluctant to put exact dates on my clocks but all of the above points to late 1700s / early 1800s.
In case you’re already lusting after it (which you should be) I have to tell you that it’s a shade under 250 cm tall. That’s TALL!
The case, in a glowing cherry wood, has some minor bumps, bruises and a couple of splits due to drying and shrinking. Only to be expected during its 200 year journey into the 21st C. Woodworm is long dead but has been treated anyway. As you can see, there's not a nail or screw to be seen anywhere - just hardwood dowel. The straight sides, flat top, shaped feet and the two small carved discs are the defining characteristics of the Brittany clocks; made in small numbers, and of which there are not many left.
When the famous iron cage Comtoise movements arrived in Brittany in the early 1800s, this was the style of case in which they were housed. So coming across a Breton case still with its lantern movement, i.e. before the iron cage Comtoise movements appeared, is an unusual treat to say the least.
The handles to the three hood doors are in forged iron, as is the ornate bolt on the trunk door.
The glass in all three hood doors is original and full of bubbles and discrepancies - evidence of early cast glass.
The hands are matching brass, the single weight is cast iron and the pendulum is an adjustable iron rod with a heavy brass bob.
The dial is fired terracotta - in the same way as an ornate tile or dinner plate, with minute numbering at the quarter hours. Being such delicate items, these dials arrive in the 21st C in one of four states:
- Completely intact - a miracle.
- Broken but expertly repaired - close to a miracle.
- Broken but badly repaired - more usual, but still rare.
- Didn’t make it - smashed to pieces and replaced with a later, more ‘sturdy’ dial.
I’m always reluctant to put exact dates on my clocks but all of the above points to late 1700s / early 1800s.
In case you’re already lusting after it (which you should be) I have to tell you that it’s a shade under 250 cm tall. That’s TALL!
January 2016
Swedish Mora Clock by Jacob Oberg c.1835
FOR SALE £700, OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details.
Swedish Mora Clock by Jacob Oberg c.1835
FOR SALE £700, OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details.
This is a genuine Mora clock (NOT a reproduction. Nor has the original movement been switched for a quartz!!) from the Dalarna region of Sweden – more specifically, the town of MORA - and imported into England about four years ago.
It’s in perfect working order, runs for 1 week, strikes the hours on a steel bell ( with 2 hammers) and comes complete with weights, pendulum and correct winding crank.
The movement is absolutely typical of the genre, with two trains of brass wheels (one going and one striking) and two wooden barrels for the cords and weights, between steel plates. The metal dial has minute numbering at the quarter hours – as do all MORA dials – and the original, matching steel hands are in the traditional style. There is a pull repeat feature on the strike train by which, a long time ago, you could find out the hour during the night without going to the trouble of lighting a candle to see the dial.
According to my clumsy translation, Jacob Oberg was quite a character (see pic). Born 26th July 1789, he died in poverty 3rd December 1881. During his colourful career as a clockmaker he produced around 400 long case clocks. This clock is number 204. So assuming an active working life of 50 years - 1810 to 1860 - we can date this clock at c.1835.
It’s in perfect working order, runs for 1 week, strikes the hours on a steel bell ( with 2 hammers) and comes complete with weights, pendulum and correct winding crank.
The movement is absolutely typical of the genre, with two trains of brass wheels (one going and one striking) and two wooden barrels for the cords and weights, between steel plates. The metal dial has minute numbering at the quarter hours – as do all MORA dials – and the original, matching steel hands are in the traditional style. There is a pull repeat feature on the strike train by which, a long time ago, you could find out the hour during the night without going to the trouble of lighting a candle to see the dial.
According to my clumsy translation, Jacob Oberg was quite a character (see pic). Born 26th July 1789, he died in poverty 3rd December 1881. During his colourful career as a clockmaker he produced around 400 long case clocks. This clock is number 204. So assuming an active working life of 50 years - 1810 to 1860 - we can date this clock at c.1835.
November 2015
Imposing LIEGEOISE (Belgium) longcase clock c. 18th / 19th C.
FOR SALE £550, OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details
Imposing LIEGEOISE (Belgium) longcase clock c. 18th / 19th C.
FOR SALE £550, OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
Click on the button below for more details
At 240 cm high (57 cm across at the base), this is no country cottage timepiece. It has a 30-hour, posted frame movement with anchor escapement, and which strikes the hours and half hours on a large, bright bell.
The dial is 'eglomise', being a paint transfer onto the reverse of the glass surface. The chapter ring has minute numbering at the quarters: 15, 30, 45 and 60.
The hands are chunky matching steel and, like all else, totally original to the clock. The movement has been lightly cleaned and correctly oiled and runs perfectly. The chain for the single weight is formed of the usual and typical of the Liegeoise genre, brass links.
The case is stained white oak, intricately carved, again in the Liegeoise style. Both the pediment and base are also Liegeoise identifiers.
This clock will be a substantial and unavoidably commanding presence in the right entrance hall, reception room or large entertaining area.
It is NOT the 'grandfather clock in the corner' of which every (tasteful) household in the country is the dutiful custodian.
The clock's genre is left field, specialist, and relatively unknown. J.F.J. Martin, the maker whose premises were at Huy, some 38 kilometres from Liege, is not recorded, famous or omnipresent in the books of European clockmakers. But a silver, cased verge watch by him was sold recently for $414.00. With the scant information about J.F.J. Martin, it's difficult to date this clock exactly. A posted frame movement could put it in the late 1700's, but the anchor escapement might place it in the first quarter of the 19th C. The new owner will be the one who has all the fun researching and finding the answers on this.
The dial is 'eglomise', being a paint transfer onto the reverse of the glass surface. The chapter ring has minute numbering at the quarters: 15, 30, 45 and 60.
The hands are chunky matching steel and, like all else, totally original to the clock. The movement has been lightly cleaned and correctly oiled and runs perfectly. The chain for the single weight is formed of the usual and typical of the Liegeoise genre, brass links.
The case is stained white oak, intricately carved, again in the Liegeoise style. Both the pediment and base are also Liegeoise identifiers.
This clock will be a substantial and unavoidably commanding presence in the right entrance hall, reception room or large entertaining area.
It is NOT the 'grandfather clock in the corner' of which every (tasteful) household in the country is the dutiful custodian.
The clock's genre is left field, specialist, and relatively unknown. J.F.J. Martin, the maker whose premises were at Huy, some 38 kilometres from Liege, is not recorded, famous or omnipresent in the books of European clockmakers. But a silver, cased verge watch by him was sold recently for $414.00. With the scant information about J.F.J. Martin, it's difficult to date this clock exactly. A posted frame movement could put it in the late 1700's, but the anchor escapement might place it in the first quarter of the 19th C. The new owner will be the one who has all the fun researching and finding the answers on this.
November 2015
A very unusual Swedish Mora clock has just finished the restoration process at Comtoise HQ.
FOR SALE £950, OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD
Click on the button below for more details
A very unusual Swedish Mora clock has just finished the restoration process at Comtoise HQ.
FOR SALE £950, OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD
Click on the button below for more details
THE CLOCK
Runs for 1 week. Strikes each hour on two bells (with two hammers). Comes complete with weights, pendulum and correct size winding crank.
It’s 198 cm tall, 64 cm wide at the base and 30 cm deep. The case and dial are in uncommonly good condition, showing scarcely any evidence of the passing of 200 years.
The movement has been lightly cleaned and correctly oiled and is looking forward, confidently, to another 200 years or more. The plates are iron, the wheels brass and the barrels wooden.
THE HISTORY LESSON
Mora clocks started life in the town of Mora in the Dalarna region of Sweden. The farming communities up and down Sweden, stuck for income in the long, dark, Scandinavian winters, turned to clock making to earn a living. Entire families would specialise in wheel cutting, pinion turning etc and then the whole movement would go to a case maker who would echo the style of furniture of the day, or just whatever style took his fancy. For this reason, practically every Mora clock is different from any other.
The earliest clockmaker was Krang Anders Anderssen of Ostnor, hence ‘A.A.S. (Anders, Ander’s Son) appearing on the dial of most Mora clocks, perhaps out of respect, or maybe just tradition.
The whole period lasted only from 1792 - Krang Anders Anderssen’s time - until c.1880 when cheap imports ruined the domestic clockmaking industry.
THE UNUSUAL
Whilst the variety of Mora clock case styles is huge and appealing, the cabinet maker would rarely deviate from the feminine, curvy, ‘figure-of-eight’ form which has made the Mora clock so individual, iconic even, and so sought after.
So it’s extremely unusual - not exactly rare, but very seldom seen - to come across one which is built as an item of furniture and not just a means of telling the time and sounding the hours.
The construction of this case is substantial. The style will not appeal to everyone (it’s not something I personally would cross the street for) but it has an integrity which would work in the hallway of houses both old and new - or the reception of a niche hotel / restaurant. The painting of the flowers and the date - 1815 - has been professionally done in true ‘folk art ‘ fashion, and, in my view, is totally original.
Runs for 1 week. Strikes each hour on two bells (with two hammers). Comes complete with weights, pendulum and correct size winding crank.
It’s 198 cm tall, 64 cm wide at the base and 30 cm deep. The case and dial are in uncommonly good condition, showing scarcely any evidence of the passing of 200 years.
The movement has been lightly cleaned and correctly oiled and is looking forward, confidently, to another 200 years or more. The plates are iron, the wheels brass and the barrels wooden.
THE HISTORY LESSON
Mora clocks started life in the town of Mora in the Dalarna region of Sweden. The farming communities up and down Sweden, stuck for income in the long, dark, Scandinavian winters, turned to clock making to earn a living. Entire families would specialise in wheel cutting, pinion turning etc and then the whole movement would go to a case maker who would echo the style of furniture of the day, or just whatever style took his fancy. For this reason, practically every Mora clock is different from any other.
The earliest clockmaker was Krang Anders Anderssen of Ostnor, hence ‘A.A.S. (Anders, Ander’s Son) appearing on the dial of most Mora clocks, perhaps out of respect, or maybe just tradition.
The whole period lasted only from 1792 - Krang Anders Anderssen’s time - until c.1880 when cheap imports ruined the domestic clockmaking industry.
THE UNUSUAL
Whilst the variety of Mora clock case styles is huge and appealing, the cabinet maker would rarely deviate from the feminine, curvy, ‘figure-of-eight’ form which has made the Mora clock so individual, iconic even, and so sought after.
So it’s extremely unusual - not exactly rare, but very seldom seen - to come across one which is built as an item of furniture and not just a means of telling the time and sounding the hours.
The construction of this case is substantial. The style will not appeal to everyone (it’s not something I personally would cross the street for) but it has an integrity which would work in the hallway of houses both old and new - or the reception of a niche hotel / restaurant. The painting of the flowers and the date - 1815 - has been professionally done in true ‘folk art ‘ fashion, and, in my view, is totally original.
August 2015
The impossible has just become possible... A New (well, almost) Antique!
- No wobbly case. No rusty steelwork or tarnished wheels. No bent, buckled, ill-fitting side doors. No woodworm. And, of course, it keeps perfect time.
FOR SALE £450, OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
More details, and click on the button to contact me, below.
The impossible has just become possible... A New (well, almost) Antique!
- No wobbly case. No rusty steelwork or tarnished wheels. No bent, buckled, ill-fitting side doors. No woodworm. And, of course, it keeps perfect time.
FOR SALE £450, OR OFFER. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
More details, and click on the button to contact me, below.
This imposing ‘Burgundy’ Comtoise clock runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and half hours on a big, bright bell. As with all Comtoise clocks, it repeats the hour strike about 2 minutes after.
Built in the early 1900’s, it’s one of the last Comtoise clocks to be made in the traditional manner, and one of the last of the great ‘Burgundy’ style cases. ‘Muebles Moelo’ (see pic) is still trading today, in Auray, northern France.
Both were made as carefully, ingeniously and with the same thorough attention to detail, as their ancestors, produced over the last 200 years.
The movement is the famous Morbier iron frame; weight driven, having been fitted with new ‘Comtoise-red’ cords. There is the usual pull repeat feature.
The substantial oak case has flowers and leaves carved into it and the head of a poor French peasant (nothing personal - I’m a big fan of all things French). The straight-sided ‘Burgundy’ case, along with the similarly styled ‘Breton’ case, was produced in far fewer numbers than the more usual - and more popular - pot-bellied shape that made the Comtoise clock the French icon it is today. So not many about, early or late.
A modern-day and welcome feature, is the breaking down of the trunk into two parts.
The upper body is 162 cm and the base 61 cm. So no problem for even a small hatchback. When together, the total height is still only 223 cm. Width is 56 cm and it stands 28 cm from the wall.
Built in the early 1900’s, it’s one of the last Comtoise clocks to be made in the traditional manner, and one of the last of the great ‘Burgundy’ style cases. ‘Muebles Moelo’ (see pic) is still trading today, in Auray, northern France.
Both were made as carefully, ingeniously and with the same thorough attention to detail, as their ancestors, produced over the last 200 years.
The movement is the famous Morbier iron frame; weight driven, having been fitted with new ‘Comtoise-red’ cords. There is the usual pull repeat feature.
The substantial oak case has flowers and leaves carved into it and the head of a poor French peasant (nothing personal - I’m a big fan of all things French). The straight-sided ‘Burgundy’ case, along with the similarly styled ‘Breton’ case, was produced in far fewer numbers than the more usual - and more popular - pot-bellied shape that made the Comtoise clock the French icon it is today. So not many about, early or late.
A modern-day and welcome feature, is the breaking down of the trunk into two parts.
The upper body is 162 cm and the base 61 cm. So no problem for even a small hatchback. When together, the total height is still only 223 cm. Width is 56 cm and it stands 28 cm from the wall.
July 2015
A clutch of old ladies just arrived from France. All for restoration. All for sale. I think the two at the end have hit the sweet sherry a little too enthusiastically on the Channel crossing!
A clutch of old ladies just arrived from France. All for restoration. All for sale. I think the two at the end have hit the sweet sherry a little too enthusiastically on the Channel crossing!
June 2015
A 'GRAND CRU' OF VINEYARD CLOCKS
After a period of extensive travel through France and Spain, I have a number of Pendule a tableau / Oeil-de-Boeuf / Vineyard clocks for sale. All fully restored and in perfect working order, the prices range from £200 for the smallest round, timepiece only (see last of second pics below), to £350 for the more elaborate larger example. For more details and / or pix of individual clocks, please email using the facility on the 'contact me' page.
A 'GRAND CRU' OF VINEYARD CLOCKS
After a period of extensive travel through France and Spain, I have a number of Pendule a tableau / Oeil-de-Boeuf / Vineyard clocks for sale. All fully restored and in perfect working order, the prices range from £200 for the smallest round, timepiece only (see last of second pics below), to £350 for the more elaborate larger example. For more details and / or pix of individual clocks, please email using the facility on the 'contact me' page.
January 2015
A bit of Sweden and bit of Denmark that I just couldn’t resist keeping; though I have examples of both being prepared for sale right now.
You have probably heard of the elegantly styled Swedish Mora clock. But far less well known is the Danish Bornholmer. Not only are these clocks extremely well built and a joy to look at, they come with a fascinating provenance.
What is a Bornholmer clock?
Bornholm is a small (227 sq. miles) island in the Baltic Sea to the east of Denmark. On the night of 15th November 1744, (Bodil Tornehave’s book ‘Bornholmske Uhrmagere’) a Dutch ship under the command of Cornelius Jansen Groot, sailing from England foundered off the coast, and the cargo, amongst which were 5 English long case clocks, was salvaged by the islanders.
They studied, repaired and then copied the clocks’ movements, maintaining the structure and style of the cases, but painting and adding gilt swags, crowns and wreaths much favoured by the Scandinavian people.
Whether or not you buy into the shipwreck story - and it’s difficult to see how such a small, out of the way island could spawn such a (selectively) famous breed of clock otherwise - it’s certainly true that, in common with most other northern farming communities, the opportunity for an alternative source of income during the long, dark, bad weather winter months was eagerly snapped up. The story is oft-quoted in America, where many of these clocks found their way; and where even the more basic examples are seldom priced at less than $3,000.
A Bornholm clock is a genuine and significant piece of horological history which, as an owner, will set you apart from the “… and this is our grandfather clock…” brigade, but whose style and presence can be comfortably appreciated by people needing no specialist knowledge......
Watch this space...
The Mora and Bornholm clocks are now ready, see below.
A bit of Sweden and bit of Denmark that I just couldn’t resist keeping; though I have examples of both being prepared for sale right now.
You have probably heard of the elegantly styled Swedish Mora clock. But far less well known is the Danish Bornholmer. Not only are these clocks extremely well built and a joy to look at, they come with a fascinating provenance.
What is a Bornholmer clock?
Bornholm is a small (227 sq. miles) island in the Baltic Sea to the east of Denmark. On the night of 15th November 1744, (Bodil Tornehave’s book ‘Bornholmske Uhrmagere’) a Dutch ship under the command of Cornelius Jansen Groot, sailing from England foundered off the coast, and the cargo, amongst which were 5 English long case clocks, was salvaged by the islanders.
They studied, repaired and then copied the clocks’ movements, maintaining the structure and style of the cases, but painting and adding gilt swags, crowns and wreaths much favoured by the Scandinavian people.
Whether or not you buy into the shipwreck story - and it’s difficult to see how such a small, out of the way island could spawn such a (selectively) famous breed of clock otherwise - it’s certainly true that, in common with most other northern farming communities, the opportunity for an alternative source of income during the long, dark, bad weather winter months was eagerly snapped up. The story is oft-quoted in America, where many of these clocks found their way; and where even the more basic examples are seldom priced at less than $3,000.
A Bornholm clock is a genuine and significant piece of horological history which, as an owner, will set you apart from the “… and this is our grandfather clock…” brigade, but whose style and presence can be comfortably appreciated by people needing no specialist knowledge......
Watch this space...
The Mora and Bornholm clocks are now ready, see below.
January 2015
SWEDISH MORA LONG CASE CLOCK c.1830. RARE ON THREE COUNTS...
FOR SALE: £1,250. Or offer. SORRY, NOW SOLD.
This clock is in perfect working order, runs for one week, strikes on a bell AND spiral gong and comes complete with weights, pendulum and winding crank.
1. THE STRIKE
Most Mora clocks strike the hour on two bells (with two hammers); so for example, 2 o’clock would sound like ‘ding-ding, ding-ding’ and so on through the 12-hour cycle. This clock, unusually, strikes a spiral gong with the first hammer, followed immediately by a strike on a bell with the second hammer, giving a very different but very pleasant ‘dong-ding’ sound.
A highly reputable Mora clock specialist, Swedish Interior Designs, currently has only 3 of their 60 stock with a gong strike. On that basis you might reasonably deduce that only 5% of Mora clocks were made to include a spiral gong. But nowhere can I find a reference to a gong AND bell strike. On this clock there is a pull repeat whereby earlier owners could find out the hour during the night without going to the trouble of lighting a candle to see the dial.
2. THE CASE
Most Mora clocks were painted (and often repainted as they passed from family to family or to the next generation) in white / off-white colours, reputedly to reflect candle light in the long, dark Scandinavian winters. These cases, though referred to as Mora clocks, were made all over Sweden from 1790 to 1890. The dark brown and black cases were made only in the town, or region of Mora itself. This elegant and exquisitely painted clock would have been originally sold as a ‘Town’ clock. The fine gilt scroll work and overall poise of the case design sets it apart from the more rough-and-ready (and more usual) simple country pieces. The shape of the window in the trunk door is echoed in a gilt crescent painted on the pendulum bob - very pleasant to watch swinging to and fro as the hours slip by.
3. THE SIZE
Average Mora clock height is a comfortable 205 cm - 210 cm. This clock stands an impressive 240 cm from its unusually broad base - 64 cm across - right up to the equally unusual ornamental orb on the top of the hood.
1. THE STRIKE
Most Mora clocks strike the hour on two bells (with two hammers); so for example, 2 o’clock would sound like ‘ding-ding, ding-ding’ and so on through the 12-hour cycle. This clock, unusually, strikes a spiral gong with the first hammer, followed immediately by a strike on a bell with the second hammer, giving a very different but very pleasant ‘dong-ding’ sound.
A highly reputable Mora clock specialist, Swedish Interior Designs, currently has only 3 of their 60 stock with a gong strike. On that basis you might reasonably deduce that only 5% of Mora clocks were made to include a spiral gong. But nowhere can I find a reference to a gong AND bell strike. On this clock there is a pull repeat whereby earlier owners could find out the hour during the night without going to the trouble of lighting a candle to see the dial.
2. THE CASE
Most Mora clocks were painted (and often repainted as they passed from family to family or to the next generation) in white / off-white colours, reputedly to reflect candle light in the long, dark Scandinavian winters. These cases, though referred to as Mora clocks, were made all over Sweden from 1790 to 1890. The dark brown and black cases were made only in the town, or region of Mora itself. This elegant and exquisitely painted clock would have been originally sold as a ‘Town’ clock. The fine gilt scroll work and overall poise of the case design sets it apart from the more rough-and-ready (and more usual) simple country pieces. The shape of the window in the trunk door is echoed in a gilt crescent painted on the pendulum bob - very pleasant to watch swinging to and fro as the hours slip by.
3. THE SIZE
Average Mora clock height is a comfortable 205 cm - 210 cm. This clock stands an impressive 240 cm from its unusually broad base - 64 cm across - right up to the equally unusual ornamental orb on the top of the hood.
January 2015
‘BORNHOLM’ LONG CASE CLOCK c.1750. BY CELEBRATED DANISH MAKER.
FOR SALE: £1,450. Or offer. SORRY, NOW SOLD
‘BORNHOLM’ LONG CASE CLOCK c.1750. BY CELEBRATED DANISH MAKER.
FOR SALE: £1,450. Or offer. SORRY, NOW SOLD
Rarely does the word ‘rare’ have any value or relevance when an antique clock is being sold. But Danish Bornholmer clocks are a lot less common than the English long case, more unusual than the French Comtoise, and are even harder to find than the seldom-seen Swedish Mora clock. Furthermore, this clock was made by Peter Mathiesen, founder and President of the Kopenhaven Urmagerlaug (Copenhagen Clockmakers Guild) 1755 - 1760 (more below). Died 1769.
So: ‘Rare’, applied to this impressive clock, means what it says in the O.E.D. : ‘Not found in large numbers and so of interest or value’.
The clock is a very well preserved example of this little-known genre. 8-day running and striking the hours on a large, bright bell, the robust brass movement has been cleaned and correctly oiled, and works perfectly. It has a seconds hand, a working date feature and an alarm which, as my neighbours in the next street will testify, is also in full working order - the alarm is not exactly precise; no snooze buttons etc. In the 18th C., close was close enough. One of the weights, whilst the correct value to make it work, should be replaced. The alarm is driven by the red cord (see pic).
A label on the seatboard shows the date - 1986 - of the last overhaul by the Copenhagen clockmaker and barometer specialist, Ludvig N.B. Hansen. 10 repairer’s marks scratched on the back of the chapter ring are dated 1773, 1781, 1790, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1822, 1826, 1849 and 1861, giving an average gap between services of 8 years. I’ve photographed all of them; but too many to show here.
Hour, minute and second hands are the original and matching blued steel.
The case is well constructed and stable. When this clock was built, cost of raw materials and labour was not an issue. There isn’t a single piece of wood less than 1” thick. It’s adorned with sprays of delicately painted flowers, following the style of the early clocks. Later in the period, chalky, pastel colours were used, supposedly to reflect the candle light in the long, dark Scandinavian winters. The hood door swings on a piano hinge which runs the full height of the door. And the hood itself has hooks at either side at the back (I’ve never seen this before), presumably to deter unwelcome investigation of the movement.
The brass and silvered dial carries the signature: ‘Peter Matthiesen, Copenhagen’ in the arch and - missing a ’t’ - at the bottom of the chapter ring. Mis-spellings were common in the 18th C.
There are glazed panels and diamond-shaped grills at either side of the hood for viewing the movement and hearing the strike.
Through a window in the trunk door, you will see the pendulum swinging healthily. All the glass is original, with attractive, uneven distortions. For that reason I thought it wrong to replace one of the side panel glasses, which is cracked.
This clock saw England declare war on France in 1756. It was around before Harrison produced a chronometer for measuring longitude; before James Watt invented the steam engine. And it was entering middle age when the French Revolution started. So no stranger to the passage of time.
Who was Peter Mathiesen?
Born in 1696 in the small village of Dollerup on the Angel Peninsular, Peter Mathiesen became a famous maker of long case clocks and also supplied turret clocks to Holmer’s Church 1737, Frederiksberg Church 1739 and Roskilde Cathedral in 1741. One of his many apprentices went on to become the Danish master ‘urmager’ Christian Carl Merchie.
So: ‘Rare’, applied to this impressive clock, means what it says in the O.E.D. : ‘Not found in large numbers and so of interest or value’.
The clock is a very well preserved example of this little-known genre. 8-day running and striking the hours on a large, bright bell, the robust brass movement has been cleaned and correctly oiled, and works perfectly. It has a seconds hand, a working date feature and an alarm which, as my neighbours in the next street will testify, is also in full working order - the alarm is not exactly precise; no snooze buttons etc. In the 18th C., close was close enough. One of the weights, whilst the correct value to make it work, should be replaced. The alarm is driven by the red cord (see pic).
A label on the seatboard shows the date - 1986 - of the last overhaul by the Copenhagen clockmaker and barometer specialist, Ludvig N.B. Hansen. 10 repairer’s marks scratched on the back of the chapter ring are dated 1773, 1781, 1790, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1822, 1826, 1849 and 1861, giving an average gap between services of 8 years. I’ve photographed all of them; but too many to show here.
Hour, minute and second hands are the original and matching blued steel.
The case is well constructed and stable. When this clock was built, cost of raw materials and labour was not an issue. There isn’t a single piece of wood less than 1” thick. It’s adorned with sprays of delicately painted flowers, following the style of the early clocks. Later in the period, chalky, pastel colours were used, supposedly to reflect the candle light in the long, dark Scandinavian winters. The hood door swings on a piano hinge which runs the full height of the door. And the hood itself has hooks at either side at the back (I’ve never seen this before), presumably to deter unwelcome investigation of the movement.
The brass and silvered dial carries the signature: ‘Peter Matthiesen, Copenhagen’ in the arch and - missing a ’t’ - at the bottom of the chapter ring. Mis-spellings were common in the 18th C.
There are glazed panels and diamond-shaped grills at either side of the hood for viewing the movement and hearing the strike.
Through a window in the trunk door, you will see the pendulum swinging healthily. All the glass is original, with attractive, uneven distortions. For that reason I thought it wrong to replace one of the side panel glasses, which is cracked.
This clock saw England declare war on France in 1756. It was around before Harrison produced a chronometer for measuring longitude; before James Watt invented the steam engine. And it was entering middle age when the French Revolution started. So no stranger to the passage of time.
Who was Peter Mathiesen?
Born in 1696 in the small village of Dollerup on the Angel Peninsular, Peter Mathiesen became a famous maker of long case clocks and also supplied turret clocks to Holmer’s Church 1737, Frederiksberg Church 1739 and Roskilde Cathedral in 1741. One of his many apprentices went on to become the Danish master ‘urmager’ Christian Carl Merchie.
November 2014
Heart-warming story of a clock that lost its way.
A Normandy-cased Comtoise 8-day striking clock, for sale - £400 SORRY, NOW SOLD
A Health & Safety-free, back street restaurant owner in Reims, near the Belgian border, had dragged this clock from pillar to post, and back again, and finally given up on it as a timepiece (see my ‘before’ pic of the livestock-laden movement).
Looking up from my jambon and camembert baguette, I spat red wine across a bunch of French truck drivers on the next table when I spotted this beautiful Normandy clock being used as shelving for kitchen utensils, and acting as a bump stop for wayward waiters and runaway cake trolleys.
Minutes later it fell, sobbing with gratitude, into the back of my ancient Mercedes Estate (who also knows about these things) and became another milestone in the quintessential core values of my clock restoring activities i.e. rescuing one-time wonderful Comtoise clocks from sure and certain journeys to landfill, and bringing them carefully back to life.
I have deliberately not tried to gloss over the truth, or hide its bumps and bruises with new wood because in my view it is a piece of genuine, French horological history, in spite of its brief foray into the catering business. Fully restored, both movement and case, it now glows with pride, self-respect and two healthy applications of beeswax.
November 2014
French country lady FOR SALE - £450 SORRY, NOW SOLD.
French country lady FOR SALE - £450 SORRY, NOW SOLD.
This keen observer of 150 years of French domesticity came to me from the flat plains of the Carmargue. It's an 8-day striking Comtoise clock with two of the most intact and unblemished dials and brass frontons I've come across. She strikes the hours and half hours on a bright resonant bell and, in common with all Comtoise clocks, she repeats each hour strike at about 2 minutes past. The movement, with anchor escapement has been lightly cleaned and oiled and runs perfectly. I've kept the intrusion of new wood into the case to a minimum, preferring to maintain the evidence of her journey through life as intact as possible.
July 2014
SWEDISH MORA CLOCK - £900 SORRY, NOW SOLD
SWEDISH MORA CLOCK - £900 SORRY, NOW SOLD
Click on the images below to enlarge.
This cheerful and friendly little clock from the heavily forested hills of Sweden is absolutely typical of the Mora genre.
It runs for 1 week and strikes the hours with two hammers, on two bells each with a different pitch, one immediately after the other. Delightful!
The movement is no different from the 1,000’s that were produced in Sweden during the first half of the 19th C. It is basic, but tough and long lasting. In the horological arena, it looks more like the product of a good blacksmith rather than a clockmaker. It has been cleaned, correctly oiled and, needless to say, runs perfectly.
The case is painted. This was normal with Mora clocks. They would be repainted when they passed from family to family, or just down the generations; usually in chalky whites, blues or greens. The flowers on this clock, I suspect, are later additions. Possibly commissioned by a family presenting the clock as a wedding gift - another popular practice.
There is some small evidence of woodworm on the inside of the base which is long-dead, but which I have treated anyway.
Comes complete with correct weights, correct pendulum and correct winding crank.
There was little change in Mora clocks during their 100 years of production. So for this clock, any year that begins with 18 - - would likely be as accurate as you would get. The extremes being the hour-hand-only clocks at the beginning of the period and the repro. MDF cases with quartz movements at the end. (Yuk!)
Height is 193 cm. Width, 40 cm. And it stands 20 cm off the wall.
ABOUT MORA CLOCKS
In common with the French Comtoise and Danish Bornholmer clocks, Mora clocks began life in the late 18th C. in small farmhouses where whole families would be involved in forging, filing and assembling movements in order to supplement their income during the long, dark, farming-unfriendly winter months. Cases were also produced from local wood by individual family members. This is why practically every Mora clock case is different. The only commonality being the female, figure-of-eight shape and the preference for much more slender cases in the north. Throughout Sweden, they became a popular source of family gifts and wedding presents.
Krang Anders Anderson - 1727-1799 - (AAS on the dial = Anders Anders Son) was reputedly the earliest maker and so, as a mark of recognition or maybe just a tradition, A.A.S. appears on most Mora clock dials. ’T Eric Hillding’ on this dial is probably the name of a retailer.
It runs for 1 week and strikes the hours with two hammers, on two bells each with a different pitch, one immediately after the other. Delightful!
The movement is no different from the 1,000’s that were produced in Sweden during the first half of the 19th C. It is basic, but tough and long lasting. In the horological arena, it looks more like the product of a good blacksmith rather than a clockmaker. It has been cleaned, correctly oiled and, needless to say, runs perfectly.
The case is painted. This was normal with Mora clocks. They would be repainted when they passed from family to family, or just down the generations; usually in chalky whites, blues or greens. The flowers on this clock, I suspect, are later additions. Possibly commissioned by a family presenting the clock as a wedding gift - another popular practice.
There is some small evidence of woodworm on the inside of the base which is long-dead, but which I have treated anyway.
Comes complete with correct weights, correct pendulum and correct winding crank.
There was little change in Mora clocks during their 100 years of production. So for this clock, any year that begins with 18 - - would likely be as accurate as you would get. The extremes being the hour-hand-only clocks at the beginning of the period and the repro. MDF cases with quartz movements at the end. (Yuk!)
Height is 193 cm. Width, 40 cm. And it stands 20 cm off the wall.
ABOUT MORA CLOCKS
In common with the French Comtoise and Danish Bornholmer clocks, Mora clocks began life in the late 18th C. in small farmhouses where whole families would be involved in forging, filing and assembling movements in order to supplement their income during the long, dark, farming-unfriendly winter months. Cases were also produced from local wood by individual family members. This is why practically every Mora clock case is different. The only commonality being the female, figure-of-eight shape and the preference for much more slender cases in the north. Throughout Sweden, they became a popular source of family gifts and wedding presents.
Krang Anders Anderson - 1727-1799 - (AAS on the dial = Anders Anders Son) was reputedly the earliest maker and so, as a mark of recognition or maybe just a tradition, A.A.S. appears on most Mora clock dials. ’T Eric Hillding’ on this dial is probably the name of a retailer.
March 2014 (2 of 2)
For Sale - £450. SORRY - NOW SOLD. Typical of the Comtoise genre: 8-day striking on a bell, repeat strike 2 minutes after the hour and verge escapement. Movement cleaned and oiled. The case however, is unusual in that it is of strong, pitch pine, heavy and very plain in its finish. The brass fronton depicts a touching scene of a married couple holding hands. If you look closely, you'll see the family dog pushing its way into the pose. These clocks normally sit happily in a farmhouse-style kitchen or hallway. But this wouldn't look out of place amongst high end, elegant antique drawing room furniture and furnishings.
For Sale - £450. SORRY - NOW SOLD. Typical of the Comtoise genre: 8-day striking on a bell, repeat strike 2 minutes after the hour and verge escapement. Movement cleaned and oiled. The case however, is unusual in that it is of strong, pitch pine, heavy and very plain in its finish. The brass fronton depicts a touching scene of a married couple holding hands. If you look closely, you'll see the family dog pushing its way into the pose. These clocks normally sit happily in a farmhouse-style kitchen or hallway. But this wouldn't look out of place amongst high end, elegant antique drawing room furniture and furnishings.
March 2014 (1 of 2)
For Sale - £450. SORRY, NOW SOLD. A mellow, honey-coloured 8-day striking clock with pull repeat and verge escapement (putting it comfortably pre-1860). Originally sold in Charlieu, only 150 kilometres from the towns of Morbier and Morez, where all proper Comtoise movements were born. It has recently shed 3 coats of bullet-proof yellow gloss paint and now glows with a generous application of beeswax and elbow grease. All it wants now is a new home where it can get on with the next couple of hundred years of its life.
For Sale - £450. SORRY, NOW SOLD. A mellow, honey-coloured 8-day striking clock with pull repeat and verge escapement (putting it comfortably pre-1860). Originally sold in Charlieu, only 150 kilometres from the towns of Morbier and Morez, where all proper Comtoise movements were born. It has recently shed 3 coats of bullet-proof yellow gloss paint and now glows with a generous application of beeswax and elbow grease. All it wants now is a new home where it can get on with the next couple of hundred years of its life.
A SEE-THROUGH COMTOISE WALL CLOCK
Every time I strip, clean and reassemble one of these wonderful Comtoise movements, I feel a sadness that the skill, workmanship and dedication which, a couple of centuries ago, was just normal and 'everyday' should be hidden in a tin box and behind wooden panels where no-one would ever see it; even more so in these days of plastic components, cost-saving corner-cutting and built-in obsolescence.
So I've cut and drilled some 4mm clear perspex panels and made a see-through case - adding some loose cartouche porcelain numerals - for one of my clocks.
I now have a clock which, needless to say, works perfectly, but which is also a visible monument to the unsung talents of the men and women of the towns of Morbier and Morez who made them.
If you're interested in a 'See-through Comtoise Wall Clock', email me via the CONTACTS page. The cost will be £330.
So I've cut and drilled some 4mm clear perspex panels and made a see-through case - adding some loose cartouche porcelain numerals - for one of my clocks.
I now have a clock which, needless to say, works perfectly, but which is also a visible monument to the unsung talents of the men and women of the towns of Morbier and Morez who made them.
If you're interested in a 'See-through Comtoise Wall Clock', email me via the CONTACTS page. The cost will be £330.
January 2014
For sale at £450, SORRY - NOW SOLD. BUT ONE SIMILAR IS ALMOST READY FOR SALE. simple, unassuming clock straight from the rolling hills of Picardie. 8-day, striking on a bell, verge escapement (pre-1860). So homely and long-lived-looking that I decided to leave the case - and the evidence of its journey through life - alone; just cleaned and beeswaxed. The movement properly overhauled and oiled.
For sale at £450, SORRY - NOW SOLD. BUT ONE SIMILAR IS ALMOST READY FOR SALE. simple, unassuming clock straight from the rolling hills of Picardie. 8-day, striking on a bell, verge escapement (pre-1860). So homely and long-lived-looking that I decided to leave the case - and the evidence of its journey through life - alone; just cleaned and beeswaxed. The movement properly overhauled and oiled.
December 2013 SORRY - NOW SOLD
For sale at £450, this unfussy but elegant clock has spent almost 150 years gently maturing - along with 3 generations of the same French family - in a sunlit corner of a grand old house south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. It's an 8-day clock and strikes the hours and half hours on a bell. In common with all Comtoise clocks it repeats the strike 2 minutes past the hour. Not rare, but not frequently seen, it has an alarm feature which works well, as my neighbours 2 streets away will testify.
For sale at £450, this unfussy but elegant clock has spent almost 150 years gently maturing - along with 3 generations of the same French family - in a sunlit corner of a grand old house south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. It's an 8-day clock and strikes the hours and half hours on a bell. In common with all Comtoise clocks it repeats the strike 2 minutes past the hour. Not rare, but not frequently seen, it has an alarm feature which works well, as my neighbours 2 streets away will testify.
December 2013 SORRY - NOW SOLD
This 1840 - 1860 Comtoise wall clock has a verge escapement, 2-piece brass fronton, strikes the hours (twice, as do all Comtoise clocks) and half hour on a bright, clear bell. It features a pull repeat, comes complete with metal side doors and rear panel (so often missing), folding pendulum, correct weights and the earliest winding crank I've seen in a long time.
This 1840 - 1860 Comtoise wall clock has a verge escapement, 2-piece brass fronton, strikes the hours (twice, as do all Comtoise clocks) and half hour on a bright, clear bell. It features a pull repeat, comes complete with metal side doors and rear panel (so often missing), folding pendulum, correct weights and the earliest winding crank I've seen in a long time.
Nov 2013
The last of the three Old Ladies (April 2013 below) is now fully restored and for sale. SORRY - NOW SOLD
A simple, unfussy workhorse which runs for 8 days, strikes the hour (twice) and half hour on a deep resonant spiral gong. Its chiselled side pieces (instead of the smooth curves) on the trunk provide a handy storage pocket for the winding crank and also a useful place to hide those unsightly bundles of £50 notes.
The last of the three Old Ladies (April 2013 below) is now fully restored and for sale. SORRY - NOW SOLD
A simple, unfussy workhorse which runs for 8 days, strikes the hour (twice) and half hour on a deep resonant spiral gong. Its chiselled side pieces (instead of the smooth curves) on the trunk provide a handy storage pocket for the winding crank and also a useful place to hide those unsightly bundles of £50 notes.
Oct 2013
The Rousset, Entrains clock is now fully restored (see April 2013 below) and for sale. SORRY - NOW SOLD
It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours (twice as usual) and half hours on a bright and strident bell. There is also a fully functioning calendar, showing the dates of the month with a third hand on the dial. The elaborate repousse pendulum is not everyone's cup of tea (I admit to being in the 'not everyone...' department on this one) but there is something very relaxing watching something so big and heavy-looking swing to and fro so slowly as the hours drift by.
The Rousset, Entrains clock is now fully restored (see April 2013 below) and for sale. SORRY - NOW SOLD
It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours (twice as usual) and half hours on a bright and strident bell. There is also a fully functioning calendar, showing the dates of the month with a third hand on the dial. The elaborate repousse pendulum is not everyone's cup of tea (I admit to being in the 'not everyone...' department on this one) but there is something very relaxing watching something so big and heavy-looking swing to and fro so slowly as the hours drift by.
Oct 2013
Just finished: 8-day, striking wall clock by Francois Odobez. SORRY - NOW SOLD.
Made from the late 17th C. right up to the early 20th C. these robust clocks have stood the test of time well. A few dedicated makers struggled on well into the 1970s. The brothers ODOBEZ was one of them. One of the very last Comtoise movements produced, this clock was built in the traditional manner, using original materials and following the original pattern - even using wooden barrels. The only (grudging I suspect) token acknowledgement of the modern age is the inclusion of an ingenious mechanism for silencing the strike from 11pm till 8am the following day. The system, called 'Silnuit', is clearly shown: strike on all the time / strike off at night / strike off completely.
Just finished: 8-day, striking wall clock by Francois Odobez. SORRY - NOW SOLD.
Made from the late 17th C. right up to the early 20th C. these robust clocks have stood the test of time well. A few dedicated makers struggled on well into the 1970s. The brothers ODOBEZ was one of them. One of the very last Comtoise movements produced, this clock was built in the traditional manner, using original materials and following the original pattern - even using wooden barrels. The only (grudging I suspect) token acknowledgement of the modern age is the inclusion of an ingenious mechanism for silencing the strike from 11pm till 8am the following day. The system, called 'Silnuit', is clearly shown: strike on all the time / strike off at night / strike off completely.
Oct 2013
The Maloisel, Tribehou clock (see April 2013 below) is now fully restored and running perfectly. It's for sale at £450.00 - October 14th: NOW SOLD. But the 'Entrains, Paris' clock with the working calendar
(see April 2013 below) will be available in a few days.
The Maloisel, Tribehou clock (see April 2013 below) is now fully restored and running perfectly. It's for sale at £450.00 - October 14th: NOW SOLD. But the 'Entrains, Paris' clock with the working calendar
(see April 2013 below) will be available in a few days.
Sept 2013
An interesting 3-train, quarter striking - on two bells - Black Forest clock which runs for 30 hours. The unusually small, painted wood 'Schild' dial measures 20 cm square, excluding the arch. Minute numbering around the chapter ring at the quarter hours puts it near the middle of the 19th C. (Difficult to be precise, with these clocks coming new to the market as and when the families who made them felt the need to supply them). Lots of pleasing wood and brass inside and between the doors of this good looking piece. Not exactly rare, but infrequently available.
An interesting 3-train, quarter striking - on two bells - Black Forest clock which runs for 30 hours. The unusually small, painted wood 'Schild' dial measures 20 cm square, excluding the arch. Minute numbering around the chapter ring at the quarter hours puts it near the middle of the 19th C. (Difficult to be precise, with these clocks coming new to the market as and when the families who made them felt the need to supply them). Lots of pleasing wood and brass inside and between the doors of this good looking piece. Not exactly rare, but infrequently available.
SWEDISH MORA CLOCK FOR SALE. SORRY - NOW SOLD
This is a genuine Mora clock (NOT a reproduction) from the Dalarna region of Sweden - more specifically, the village of MORA - and imported into England about two years ago. It's in perfect working order, runs for one week, strikes the hours on two bells (two hammers) and comes complete with weights, pendulum and correct winding crank. The movement is typical of the genre, with two trains of brass wheels ( one going and one striking) and two wooden barrels for the cords and weights, between steel plates. The metal dial has minute numbering at the quarter hours - as do all Mora dials - and the original, matching hands are in the traditional style. There is a pull repeat feature on the striking train by which, a long time ago, you would find out the hour in the night without going to the trouble of lighting a candle to see the dial. The dainty Gustavian-style case is in excellent condition with no woodworm.
The height - 198 cm - makes it a manageable size for anywhere in the house.
How Mora clocks came about.
Sometime during the 18th C. an English ship foundered off the coast of Sweden. The cargo contained a number of English long case clocks, the movements of which were salvaged, cleaned up, studied and copied by the local farming communities who were strapped for cash during the harsh winter months when their income was at its lowest. Whole families would specialise in the manufacture of different areas. The completed clock would then be sold and a wooden case commissioned in the furniture style of the day by the new owner.
The veracity of the shipwreck story is a matter for conjecture. But certainly, these wonderful naïve country clocks were originally the product of income-hungry farmers.
Today, these floral, feminine 'figure-of-eight' clocks make a cheerful contrast with the dour, stern-looking English long case. Instead of frowning disapprovingly at 21st C goings-on from some dark corner of the sitting room, a Mora clock is like a ray of spring sunshine that's just wandered in from a fresh country garden.
July 2013
Work underway on the three old ladies (see April 2013 below). Lots of flowers appearing from under the murk!
Work underway on the three old ladies (see April 2013 below). Lots of flowers appearing from under the murk!
June 2013
Lots of work to do on the frame of this 'Vineyard' clock; picked up on the way back from Spain. It has a (very dirty) Comtoise iron-frame movement which strikes the hour twice - as do all Comtoise movements.
Lots of work to do on the frame of this 'Vineyard' clock; picked up on the way back from Spain. It has a (very dirty) Comtoise iron-frame movement which strikes the hour twice - as do all Comtoise movements.
April 2013
These three old ladies from Morbier came out of hiding earlier this year. From left to right, they were originally sold in Martigne-Ferchaud, Tribehou in Normandy and Entrains near Paris. The first strikes on a spiral gong, the third has a working calendar feature and all three have anchor escapement, so clearly, later examples from the last quarter of the 19th C.
They will become available for sale later this year.
The middle of the three, Maloisel a Tribehou, is almost complete (29th July).
These three old ladies from Morbier came out of hiding earlier this year. From left to right, they were originally sold in Martigne-Ferchaud, Tribehou in Normandy and Entrains near Paris. The first strikes on a spiral gong, the third has a working calendar feature and all three have anchor escapement, so clearly, later examples from the last quarter of the 19th C.
They will become available for sale later this year.
The middle of the three, Maloisel a Tribehou, is almost complete (29th July).