266. $1000
Swiss Neuchâtel grand sonnerie bracket clock, ca.
1880. A 26.5-inch black lacquer case decorated with flowers and gilded edges, with a 10-inch shelf bracket; note the gold
ball finials on the top and bottom. The brass door holds a convex dial glass and a flat pendulum window glass over a convex
porcelain dial with slight chipping at the winding arbors. The hands are decorated with gold sunbursts and there is an alarm
hand as well. Indeed, this clock has all the bells and whistles, with a pull-cord to wind the alarm that strikes a bell on top
and a pull cord to repeat the last hour. A lever under the dial allows you to play grand sonnerie (strikes on the quarter hours
with a repeat of the last hour), just the quarter hour strikes (1, 2, or 3 strikes on the first, second, and third quarter hours),
or silent (no strikes). I note that the strikes are sluggish and perhaps not in sync; the two hammers strike on coiled gongs. This is an impressive clock if you’ve got the right spot for it. Service would help the sound and consistency. $1000–$2500.
Antique American Clocks JANUARY 2025