This listing is for a small “ miniature ” desk, mantle, or shelf Antique French skeleton clock. It was made by Pierret & co in Paris in the 1860s, however it’s original base plate bearing the makers mark has been lost through time. It has an interesting movement with silk suspension and a beautiful hand painted round enamel dial. I am not sure the exact number of days the movement runs, but I had it running since acquiring it without any issue, except for a brief period when I moved it to take a better photo, and it stopped running after I bumped the movement’s adjustment on the thread. It has since started running again (about 3-4 weeks later) on its own, and has not had any issues since. I am not sure what made it briefly stop, and I do not want to disassemble or tinker with it (it was running when acquired as well) so as not to cause accidental damage. When running, it seems to only need wound around once every 2- 3 weeks or a little less. These clocks are hard to find in the US working or otherwise, and international shipping can be so dicey with a delicate item such as this - Grab this one today for a great deal! It is an excellent piece for collectors, gifting, display / decor, gifting, and more!
It has both steel 'moon' hands, which are the antique originals. It looks like the silk thread was re-tied at some point, perhaps contributing to its current hiccup. It is completely unmarked except for an R and an A engraved on the body at the very top front, right behind the adjusting gear to hold the pendulum in the back. (See photos). All other Pierret made clocks of this style that I have seen also have those letters engraved. Unfortunately it is missing the brass base plate that the clock would have originally sat on which bears the full makers mark.
It has a glass dome in excellent condition. It has the usual light wear around the rim, concealed by the base when seated, and some very light other wear, but no cracks. It also has a wooden base piece. I believe the base and dome to be the antique originals, or a good antique / vintage replacement. I have seen dome / base combinations in a round as well as a more oval shape on these clocks. The face is also in excellent shape. It is hand painted, with some light discoloration in an area- see photos- it is easily missed when not up close.
Victor Pierret was born in 1806. He exhibited in the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. These French skeleton clocks are sometimes known as 'Great Exhibition Clocks' because of that. He was honoured in Paris and London for his work at these exhibitions. He sold many of these skeleton clocks there and over the years afterwards he developed many different styles.
This clock comes from a massive estate collection, and was extremely well cared for in a temperature controlled room. Please check back this weekend & next week for multiple other antique & unique clocks I will be listing!
Thank you for your consideration, reasonable offers are always considered. Please see photos for details & measurements, comes as is. As with any clock, this one may require set up and/or adjustment after shipment, however rest assured it will be packaged with extreme care. Comes with a vintage non-original winding key. Please note NO International shipping is offered. (International buyers with a valid continental US address are welcome!)