What a thrill to have and offer this magnificent museum quality hand carved mantel clock. The quality of the carving on this is incredible, the size is large and commanding, and the overall condition is excellent. Just look at those long leaf fronds still intact. The fox is a true Animalier movement masterpiece, and so are the pair of fan-tail pheasants it stalks. A hunt theme, nature vignette, and also early. Mid-1800s on this one, with a Japy Freres (brothers) clockworks that is complete and working well. Colinet countersigns the clock, as well. Cobalt blue enameled indices with Roman numerals, all in fine form. This one is truly to die for. If you're thinking of your hunting lodge, your ski chalet, your Country French kitchen - none finer than this one. Japy Freres is a highly renowned maker of fine clockworks in France, long and well awarded. Probably why the clock is working so well. Key and pendulum intact, all parts as you'd hope. For us, the masterpiece is the hand carved wood case, of course. If you've followed us over the years, you know that the old Black Forest Swiss carved items are a favorite of ours. I'm 25% Swiss. These incredible works of art, sculpture truly astound me, and to have this one in such fine condition, on top. Well - sublime! Clock is 18.75" tall, with a base that is a full 15" wide. Depth is 8" and it weighs over 9 pounds. Lots of photos to show it off from all angles. Such a treasure! Yes, you've seen comparable work in museums, and priced 3-4 times out price in upscale shops. None as nice as this one.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Normally long leaf fronds such as you see on this old beauty have been lost to the ages. Often ears are missing, beaks, wings, tails. Hand carved in wood, the sculpture has only a few very unimposing flaws to note. I can say it looks to me like the heads of both fan-tail pheasants have been attached, likely a professional restoration. Even the beaks remain sharp. One hind leg of the fox also seems to me to have been reattached, but you've got to make a point of looking from the backside in order to see it. A tip of a long leaf lost, but not to those tall slender elegant ones that rise above the crouching fox. That fox! What a work of art he is. Look closely. No chips on snout, ears, tail. A marvelous composition, perfectly executed here. I need to buy another house to have room to show this one off. Don't leave it with me too long. Just in from France not long ago. Clock runs just fine. Nothing missing there. Measurements are also noted on the photos.
