Mysterious French wall clock, aesthetically pleasing but lacking historical insights
A Unique Find: An Antique French Time and Strike Clock with Brocot Speed Adjustment Mechanism
In a recent acquisition, a unique and historically significant antique clock has joined a collector's collection. The clock, which is of French origin from the turn of the 20th Century, boasts a Brocot patented speed adjustment mechanism, a testament to the refinement and reliability of mechanical clocks during that period.
The Brocot speed adjustment mechanism, invented by the French clockmaker Achille Brocot in the mid-19th century, allows for fine, incremental adjustment of the pendulum length and speed without stopping the clock. This mechanism, which became widely used in French pendulum clocks, enhances accuracy and makes fine-tuning more accessible.
Achille Brocot, who lived from 1817 to 1878, was a notable figure in horology, known for his inventions such as the Brocot escapement and this patented speed adjustment mechanism. His innovations greatly contributed to the advancement of mechanical clock precision in France during the 19th century.
This exquisitely crafted French time and strike mechanism features a jet black body, either slate or Belgian marble with lighter reddish brown rectangular accents and serpentine scrolling. The dial has a brass centre cup with an enamel surround, delicate hands, and painted Arabic numerals. The movement is unsigned, but the only markings are the word Brocot on the speed adjustment gear and Marque Deposee on the back plate, confirming its heritage.
The clock stands at 11 inches high by 8 1/4 inches wide by 5 1/4 inches deep and has a pleasant sounding but subdued coiled gong. This one-of-a-kind piece was acquired online in March 2017.
The antique clock shopping experience is described in a blog post, with photos of various clocks found in the antique shops located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. However, the post does not specify the year of the trip or mention any purchases made during the trip, aside from this unique find.
This Brocot-equipped clock is the only French clock in the owner's collection, making it a valuable addition to their horological journey. Its historical significance in advancing mechanical clock precision in the 19th century ensures that it will continue to captivate clock enthusiasts for years to come.
