Japy Freres "Crystal Regulator", circa 1910

This is a small French "Crystal Regulator". The 8-day rack & snail time and strike movement was made by Japy Freres et Cie, probably between 1900 and 1915. The movement has a non-jewel Brocot escapement between the thick brass plates. I have not been able to identify the model of the clock or the clockmaker's name, which may be the same as the maker of the movement. The clock is 6 inches wide and 10 inches tall with bevel glass side and door panels. There is one very tiny hairline in the face that was discovered only after cleaning - way to small to show in the pictures. The glass panels are all in good condition. The clock retains what I believe to be the original mercury jar pendulum with two sealed glass vials of real mercury. I acquired this clock from a local estate auction on Nov. 10, 2008. A sticker found on the clock suggests that the previous owner may have resided in the town of Potomac Maryland.

The strike hammer appears to have been repaired, and on cleaning I discovered that one of the main springs appears to be a newer replacement. The plates have several previously installed bushings and the work appears to have been done in a professional manner. There was a winding key with the clock which may or may not be original. The clock is in good condition over all and is running, striking properly and keeping reasonably good time.

NOT FOR SALE AT THIS TIME

email:  bobby@greenfieldstore.com