Superb Neoclassical Drum Head Clock by Richond Paris ~ French - Circa 1870 ~ ~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~ A stunning original antique French clock of Neoclassical design in gilded bronze. The movement is mounted in a drum on top of a reeded column. Scroll supports are to the sides and a laurel swag is draped below the dial. Above the dial is a delicate bow and an urn with pineapple finial.

The dial is boldly modelled in gilt bronze with 12 individual enamel cartouches and original blued steel hands. There is also a cartouche with the retailers signature of Richond of the famous Boulevard Montmartre, Paris. He is listed in Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Francais as working in Boulevard Montmartre between 1850 and 1870. He is also mentioned in a contemporary work 'How to enjoy Paris in 1842 - see below', a particularly interesting and charming account of the retailers premises.

The French movement is of high quality and has the clockmakers mark H&F Paris on the backplate. It is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is a replacement. It runs for 8 days on one wind and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!

Condition of the case is excellent, it is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any wear or discolouration and recently lacquered to protect the finish. The dial is also in excellent condition with no damage. 

   
Paris retailer's mark 'Richond' and clockmaker's mark 'H & F Paris'

Complete with pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.

Click the movie player below to see the this actual clock run -
(large file, may take a moment to start).