My favorite clock, it's just been a beauty at bedside for decades. It has never bothered me that I was unsure if it actually worked. I'm an 'antique clock look' person, not so much an 'antique clock that works' person. I searched out a key to fit ahead of listing - takes a largish pocket watch key. I could very lightly wind the mechanism but can tell it's been wound almost completely, so I didn't wish to overwind. The clock does not seem to work. It has a 2nd sending stem, and wound, it makes a whirring sound as if it's running too fast. I can tell you the case is fabulous, stunning and beautiful, but I can't tell you what the mechanism might need. Seems like it's complete. Our clockmaker gentleman who worked for us passed away and we have no one local to check. So, that said, I can affirm it is antique, 19th century French and is visually rich and opulent and undamaged - even to the fine kiln-fired enamel face. I've wondered, given that there are seconds noted and a second hand, if the upper winding stem may operate it a a stop watch or something. It doesn't seem to have a bell. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, visually - mechanism seems complete but is not running at listing time. May need nothing more than a cleaning. I will leave the mechanism to you. There are no flaws to note visually - no cracks or chips in the veneer, and no loss or damage to the kiln-fired jewel of a dial or clock face. Winds from back, which helps keep those enamel faces/dials pristine. The cover glass is framed in diamond-bright French paste stones. All of the framework, ormolu is tightly mounted. Very heavy and solidly built. Without taking the works out, I do not see a maker mark. It's been mine for atmosphere and ambiance, more than keeping time.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
