Very Rare Maiden on a Swing Clock
by Eugène Farcot (1830 - 1896)

~ French - Circa 1880 ~

~~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

A very rare novelty clock by Eugène Farcot, featuring a girl on a swing swinging back and forth as the pendulum. It is much larger then the cherub on a swing clocks, is mounted with porcelain and is also the very rare striking version of the Farcot movement. The case is modelled in the Baroque style with maiden caryatids supporting the movement with the girl swinging gently below, this really is a fascinating clock to watch, please see the video below!

The dial is enamel on copper in the form of a ring around the centre which is open to allow the front plate of the movement to be seen complete with motion work. Please note, this type of clock does not have a glazed bezel or a rear door.

The French movement is by Farcot and is of lovely quality. Patented by Farcot in 1862, it uses a double escapement with a half moon pallet to achieve the front to back motion for the maiden. We have fully overhauled it and tested it to ensure proper running. It runs for 8 days on one wind and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to watch the clock running and hear the strike!

Condition of the case is good, the gilding is worn, discoloured and bubbled in areas, we have polished it to a clean and bright finish which looks great as you can see below. This was a novelty clock so there are some original casting marks / faults in the metal work. One handle of the urn has an old repair which doesn't detract. Dial is in excellent condition with no chips or scratches. Porcelain is also in excellent condition. A stunning and very rare clock to add to your collection! 

  
Eugène Farcot, Paris clockmaker's marks on the movement backplate, Bte is short for Brevete or Patent

Complete with maiden pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.