Mantel Clock: Outstanding 1858 French Black Slate Striking Mantel Clock by the Celebrated Japy Family of Clockmakers

Black slate striking mantel clock, by the celebrated Japy clockmaking family of France. The watch and clockmaking business of the French Japy family had begun as early as c1725, yet the world-famous brand of ‘Japy Frères’, (meaning ‘Japy Brothers’), didn’t commence until 1806, when it was founded by Frédéric Japy. Frédéric had been a watch and clockmaker for some 30 years in Beaucourt, France, prior to registering the brand, and did so, in order to recognize and establish that his 3 clockmaking sons; Pierre, Fritz, and Louis Japy, had formally entered the family business. The newly named firm quickly established a reputation for clock and watchmaking cutting-edge innovation and technological excellence, winning many important international awards for their outstanding horological work and craftsmanship. Frédéric passed away in 1812, leaving his 3 sons (and future grandsons) to run the business as they saw fit. By around 1845, a further subsidiary brand was registered, that of “Japy Fils” (“Sons of Japy”, as seen on this clock), which included the grandsons of Frédéric. (Nb: Today, many clock enthusiasts outside of France make the general mistake of thinking that both “Japy Frères” and “Japy Fils”, were the Christian and surnames of individual French clockmakers, when in fact, this is far from the truth!) Measuring a height of 65cm, and made of heavy Belgium slate, this wonderful clock’s architectural design and proportions are certainly impressive! It sits on its clawed brass front feet, and the clocks breakfront stepped casework includes engraved gold painted floral decoration, elaborate handcrafted gilt garniture and two front side panels of variegated marble, all culminating in an imposing slate urn on the clock’s apex. The clock’s black dial with a featured gilt filigree disc, has gold painted Roman numerals finished with its original pair of gold-plated Crescent hands, secured with a pinned collect. (The dial is also signed by executive Harrow, London, jewellery retailers; “Lambert, Levy, Meyers & Levy”). The dial is then protected by thick bevelled glaze, mounted in a delicately hand-decorated and embossed brass bezel. The clock has a high-quality circular 8-day French pendulum driven movement by Japy, this one, with an outside count wheel regulating its striking mechanism, the movement being accessed via its hinged and fretted rear brass door. The backplate is stamped with two serial numbers, together with the famous award imprint of “Japy Fils, Expos 1855 Medailles 1844-1849”, helping to both endorse the quality of the movement and date the clock to c1858. The movement strikes the hours and half-hours on its nickel ‘ting bell’ and comes with an authentic French pendulum and winding key. Payment - We Accept: - Debit / Credit Cards. - Bacs Transfer. (Our bank details are on our invoices) - PayPal, via this site.