This mechanism was a gift from my friend up in the Alsace of France. He is very much an expert regarding these clocks. As I have had no experience with them, JY decided I should have one! It's very different from the American shelf clocks I have been repairing for the last 50 years.

It is ticking away on the wall without a case. Originally, it would have bin in a wooden tall case with a fancy dial. I'm happy with it the way it is, though I may change my mind, who knows.

A particularly interesting aspect of these clocks is way the striking mechanism was designed. Like French tower clocks of the era, it will trike the hour of the day and then after about 60 second, or so, it will strike the hour again, just in case you were not listening the first time!

These clocks were made in remote French villages. It was a cottage industry. Various artisans specialized in different parts of the clock, with the whole thing assembled by specialists.

Although it's difficult to date these mechanisms, I'm fairly confident this one was made sometime around 1795 to 1825. From what I have seen on-line the cases and dials can provide added clues as to the date of these clocks. However, I'm pretty happy with it the way it is.

Side view. Note the crown wheel escapement.

After this clock movement arrived, I was fortunate to find an old French clock key. After cleaning up the rust it looks pretty good. Notice how the handle of the clock key resembles the the screw handle of an antique watchmakers turns. There were several variations of keys made. I really don't know that much about the various key styles.