Antique French Japy Frères Mantel Clock

Black Slate, Rouge Marble and Gilt Decoration • Circa 1880

✓ Fully Serviced Movement ✓ Correctly Matched Pendulum ✓ 30-Day Returns

An impressive late nineteenth-century French mantel clock containing a quality eight-day mechanical movement by the celebrated manufacturer Japy Frères & Cie.

Dating from approximately 1870–1890, the clock is housed in a substantial architectural case constructed from polished black slate, vividly contrasted with richly figured rouge marble inlays and delicate hand-incised gilt decoration.

Standing approximately 43 cm tall, this is a particularly imposing and decorative example of French Napoleon III period clockmaking.

Architectural Slate and Marble Case

The heavy black slate case has a tall architectural form with a broad stepped plinth, projecting cornice and an elaborate shaped pediment.

Beautiful rouge marble panels frame the dial, with a further semicircular marble panel positioned within the central pediment. Their vibrant red, black and white figuring creates a dramatic contrast against the polished black slate.

The façade, pediment and plinth retain attractive hand-incised and gilded floral decoration, including stylised leaves, berries and scrolling motifs. Although naturally worn through age, this surviving decoration remains a particularly appealing feature.

Its tall architectural proportions give the clock considerably greater visual presence than the more commonly encountered low rectangular French slate clocks.

Enamel Dial and Bezel

The original white enamel dial displays elegant black Roman numerals, a precise outer minute track and fine Breguet-style open-circle hands.

It is surrounded by an ornate gilt-brass sight ring and protected by glass within the original hinged bezel.

Japy Frères Eight-Day Movement

The clock contains its original French spring-driven mechanical movement, bearing the circular exhibition-medal trademark of Japy Frères & Cie.

The movement is numbered 61343. Importantly, the pendulum is also numbered 61343, confirming that it is the correctly matched pendulum for this movement.

This is a dedicated time-only movement and therefore does not strike or chime. It offers all the craftsmanship and character of a traditional antique mechanical clock without an hourly interruption.

The movement has been dismantled, cleaned, inspected and lubricated — Novostar oil to the mainspring, synthetic clock oil to the pivots — before being carefully reassembled, regulated and tested. It is running well at the time of listing.

About Japy Frères

Japy Frères was one of the most important manufacturers in the history of French industrial clockmaking.

The business originated with Frédéric Japy, who established his pioneering horological manufacture at Beaucourt in 1777. Japy transformed traditional clock production through the early mechanisation and standardisation of movement manufacture.

The company later passed to his sons and traded as Japy Frères, becoming one of France's largest and most respected manufacturers of clocks, watches and precision movements.

During the nineteenth century, Japy movements were supplied to clockmakers, retailers and specialist case manufacturers throughout France and internationally. The firm received numerous honours at major French exhibitions, which were proudly represented within its movement trademarks.

Approximate Dimensions

Height	43 cm / 16.9 in
Width	23 cm / 9.1 in
Depth	14 cm / 5.5 in

This is a very substantial antique clock constructed from genuine stone and is considerably heavier than its dimensions might suggest.

Included

• Antique Japy Frères mantel clock
• Correct matching numbered pendulum
• Winding key
• Smaller adjustment key

Condition

Presented in attractive restored antique condition, with genuine signs of age and use retained throughout.

The enamel dial has a visible chip at the twelve o'clock position, together with associated fine hairlines and other smaller age-related marks. These are stable and do not prevent the dial from displaying beautifully.

The heavy slate case has several historic edge and corner chips, principally around the projecting upper cornice and rear section of the pediment. There are also surface marks, variations in sheen and areas of natural wear consistent with its considerable age.

The original incised gilding has experienced some fading and localised loss but remains clearly visible and forms an important part of the clock's decorative character. The rouge marble inlays remain particularly vibrant and attractive.

All imperfections have been photographed clearly and form part of the clock's authentic history. Please examine every photograph carefully, as these form an important part of the description.

Delivery

Due to its substantial stone construction, the clock will be packed with exceptional care. The pendulum and keys will be removed and wrapped separately, while the clock itself will be heavily protected and securely double-boxed for transport.

Free tracked UK delivery is included within the purchase price.

A dramatic French antique combining architectural design, colourful marble and a quality movement by one of France's most important clock manufacturers.

30-Day Returns · Mahn & Co Clock Repairs