Miniature French Skeleton Clock. Circa 1870

Miniature French Skeleton Clock with Silk Suspension. Numbered 24 to rear bottom of pillar (early model). Also signed R and A to very top either side of wheel mechanism*. Usual 8-day duration timepiece mechanism. Circa 1870.

A nicely small proportioned French Skeleton Clock. Finely engraved case front on pillars, wheels, pendulum weight and circumference of oval brass base plate. Original ebonised base with shaped feet. A silk suspension pendulum with a finer wheel disc for the regulation. Supplied with a later Victorian dome and base. Superb quality (and most likely by Pierrepont A Paris).

Condition: Brass work in excellent condition and richly patinated. Some minor crazing to enamel disc at VIII position and alarm / bell function disconnected. Later Victorian dome glass in perfect condition. Strong winding mechanism and keeping good time.

Dimensions: (approx)
External dome:
Height = 36 cm
Width = 27 cm
Depth = 15 cm

Clock itself (with base):
Height = 23 cm
Width = 16 cm
Depth = 11 cm

*"R" and "A" stamped on the pillar or regulator of a skeleton clock stands for the French words Retard (slow) and Avance (fast). It is a regulation mark used to indicate the direction to turn the regulating nut to adjust the clock's speed. Turning the nut towards the A (Avance) speeds the clock up, while turning it towards the R (Retard) slows it down.