Superb 19th c. Antique French Boudoir or Desk Clock in Tortoise Shell, Paste Gem Face, Enamel Dial
My favorite clock, it's just been a beauty at bedside for decades. It has never bothered me that I was unsure if it actually worked. I'm an 'antique clock look' person, not so much an 'antique clock that works' person. I searched out a key to fit ahead of listing - takes a largish pocket watch key. I could very lightly wind the mechanism but can tell it's been wound almost completely, so I didn't wish to overwind. The clock does not seem to work. It has a 2nd sending stem, and wound, it makes a whirring sound as if it's running too fast. I can tell you the case is fabulous, stunning and beautiful, but I can't tell you what the mechanism might need. Seems like it's complete. Our clockmaker gentleman who worked for us passed away and we have no one local to check. So, that said, I can affirm it is antique, 19th century French and is visually rich and opulent and undamaged - even to the fine kiln-fired enamel face. I've wondered, given that there are seconds noted and a second hand, if th