An exceptionally well-crafted clock celebrating the middle ages cathedral at Reims, France. The Reims cathedral, often referred to by architectural students “…as the most beautiful structure produced during the middle ages”, stands as a proud symbol of France itself. The model, set with a working clock, is one of the best detailed and well cast clocks we have seen, made at a time when the French were at their peak of producing fine fire gilt castings. Hard to see, but a careful inspector will note the use of colored “stained” glass in the windows, some made from mother-of-pearl. Note as well the faithful reproduction of the saints’ statues across the center frieze. The clock itself runs with a silk suspension and count wheel strike, indicating an earlier date, possibly even 18th century. It is fit with a device to cause striking on a deep resonating gong in its ebonized base (with brass inlay). This together with what appears to the the original glass cover and framed print of the cathedral.The clock on top of the base stands 18″ in height.
Unless otherwise stated the condition of the mechanisms of these clocks is good, but that does not mean they run or do not need repairs. There is no guarantee of either the mechanical performance of clocks nor the completeness and originality of their parts and components. In most cases we have not removed the dials from these clocks, and have not checked inside for manufacturers or makers names for attribution.