Description

A vintage French brass carriage clock retailed under the Bayard name, with a movement stamped by its manufacturer, Duverdrey & Bloquel of Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont, Normandy. This is the three-glass case variant, with bevelled glass panels to the front and sides and a solid brass back door, so the movement is visible from the front and sides while at rest. It has a swing carrying handle and a crisp white dial with black Roman numerals and blued spade hands. This is a timepiece movement only, with no strike or chime.

The movement has been fully dismantled, ultrasonically cleaned, inspected and reassembled, with Novostar oil applied to the mainsprings and synthetic clock oil to the pivots, before extensive testing to confirm reliable timekeeping.

The rear door opens on its original hinge and catch to reveal the jewelled platform escapement, making this an attractive piece to run on a desk, mantel or bedside table where the movement can be enjoyed as well as the dial.

Maker History

Bayard was the trade name of the French firm Duverdrey & Bloquel, established in the clockmaking town of Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont in Normandy in the late 19th century. The firm grew out of Albert Villon's clockmaking shop of 1867, becoming Albert Villon, Duverdrey et Bloquel in 1896 and then simply Duverdrey & Bloquel after Villon's death in 1902. The Bayard name was registered in 1928, taken from the historic French knight known as "sans peur et sans reproche", fearless and beyond reproach. The firm became one of the region's largest clock manufacturers, and pieces from the transitional period, like this one, are typically dial-signed Bayard while the movement retains the Duverdrey & Bloquel stamp, exactly as seen on this example's backplate.

Dating is indicative and based on the case style, dial signature and movement markings rather than a documented production record.

Restoration Checklist

• Movement fully dismantled and ultrasonically cleaned
• Pivots, bushes and platform escapement inspected
• Novostar oil applied to mainsprings
• Synthetic clock oil applied to pivots
• Movement reassembled and regulated
• Case and glass panels cleaned
• Extended bench test for timekeeping (see photos for current condition)

Dimensions

Condition

Please refer to the photographs for a full record of the case and dial condition. The brass case has been polished and presents well, and the movement runs strongly following service. As with any vintage mechanical clock, light signs of age consistent with decades of careful use may be present.

What's Included

• Bayard brass carriage clock
• Correct winding key
• Securely packaged for safe delivery