A truly exquisite 19th century set, each of the 3 original pieces have been entirely hand carved, each from a single piece of wood. The artistry and Master carving on display here is top form, just exquisite. From the Mid-late 1800s, Animalier movement aesthetic, you see no less than 8 exceptionally fine pheasants on the set. The 20" tall clock with 14" wide base is miraculously unscathed, and the long slender tails of those rather regal large pheasants show no damage at all. Nor do any of the slender tails on the other 6. Quite remarkable, really, when one considers the fragile nature of slender-carved wood and the passage of so much time. These would be between 140-180 years of age, yet just look at them - I find tips of 3 slender leaves nipped, and that's about it. Does the clock work? Yes. The old original clock with its pendulum and key will wind and does run. That lets us know the clockworks remain complete. It will stop running, however, which lets us know it is ready for a cleaning and oil - a service. These old clocks, to me, are less time pieces than they are a sculptor's art. I really never run the clocks, but if you might wish to, it will need a clockmaker's cleaning. Our old clockmaker we'd used has passed away and we don't have another. He used to tell us that there is not an antique clock in the world that keeps exact time, and that they all must be adjusted after any shipment. So we'll pass that along, as well. Still, look at this marvelous set! The side garnitures, epergne stands in their day, candle holders now - magnificent on their own. But truly museum quality and rarity that this set is so free of damage and even more, that the 3 piece original set remains together. Full measurements noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition, age and type considered. yes, the clock is complete and it will run, but as noted above, it needs to be cleaned and oiled. Likely has not run for half a century or more. Most of us don't run the clocks - just display them. The pendulum and key are with the clock. There are a few very tiny leaf-tip losses, nothing distracting. No tails, legs, or other significant loss. One beak is very slightly blunted. The clock's an incredibly beautiful Master work of Swiss Black Forest talent. I think the tool which leaves a mark on bottom is a signature. One final issue to point out, though you'll likely never notice it. The old wood of the clock has an age/shrinkage crack. it can be seen up at the 12 o'clock position on casing above the clock face and mount. This is a natural occurrence in old wood, and does not represent breakage. Superb and large, impressive. If I owned one more mantel, I'd be keeping this one! it actually matches my wall plaques in both homes!
