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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Comtoise / morbier clock

French Comtoise / Morbier Clock

Partially verified

This lot features a French Comtoise or Morbier clock reported by the auction house to have been manufactured in the Franche-Comté region of France. The piece is presented with an embossed gilt brass pediment and front surround depicting figures harvesting grapes and working with wine vats, framed below by foliate and scroll reliefs. The dial is white with black Roman hour numerals, an inner track marked with Arabic calendar dates, two winding apertures, and pierced brass-tone hands. Extensive hairline cracking or crazing is visible across the dial face.

Front view of the Comtoise clock showing the embossed brass harvest pediment and dial
Front view of the Comtoise clock showing the embossed brass harvest pediment and dial — Swisher Bros. Auction. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Comtoise / morbier clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Reported Regional Origin

The auction catalog entry identifies this object as an early French Comtoise or Morbier clock, listed with dimensions of 7"X10"X16". The seller text reports that it was manufactured in the Franche-Comté region of France.

Specific makers, production workshops, and dates are not recorded in this source. In the listing presentation, only the clock front is shown, without an accompanying longcase, weights, or pendulum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Early French Comtoise Clock, Morbier Clock - Manufactured In The Franche-Comte Region Of France 7"X10"X16"”

Embossed Surround and Iconography

Visible inspection shows an embossed or repoussé gilt brass surround framing the circular dial. The upper pediment features a figural scene depicting a grape harvest and vintners working around wine vats.

A raised foliate and scrollwork relief border decorates the lower perimeter of the brass surround beneath the dial face.

Evidence for this section
  • “Embossed or repoussé gilt brass surround featuring a figural grape harvest and vintner scene above the dial.”
  • “Foliate and scrollwork relief border decorating the lower surround.”

Dial Configuration and Observed Condition

The circular white dial features black Roman hour numerals and an inner calendar date ring. Two winding apertures are positioned in the lower quadrant of the dial face.

A visible network of hairline cracks or crazing extends across the dial surface. The provided catalog record does not supply details or photographs regarding the movement plates, escapement, or striking train.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular white dial displaying black Roman hour numerals and an inner calendar date ring.”
  • “Twin winding apertures positioned in the lower quadrant of the dial.”
  • “Visible network of hairline cracks or crazing throughout the dial surface.”

Open research questions

  • What movement caliber, escapement, and striking mechanism are mounted behind the dial and brass surround?
  • Does the dial assembly retain an original calendar indicator hand?
  • Are any maker signatures, foundry marks, or serial numbers present on the iron framing or movement brass plates?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Comtoise / Morbier Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dimensions7" x 10" x 16"“7"X10"X16"”
OriginFranche-Comté region of France“Manufactured In The Franche-Comte Region Of France”
TypeComtoise / Morbier Clock“Early French Comtoise Clock, Morbier Clock”
Reported OriginFranche-Comté region of France“Manufactured In The Franche-Comte Region Of France”

Visible details

  • Embossed or repoussé gilt brass surround featuring a figural grape harvest and vintner scene above the dial.
  • Foliate and scrollwork relief border decorating the lower surround.
  • Circular white dial displaying black Roman hour numerals and an inner calendar date ring.
  • Twin winding apertures positioned in the lower quadrant of the dial.
  • Visible network of hairline cracks or crazing throughout the dial surface.

Research qualifications

  • Source provides no movement details, pendulum, weights, or clock case; only the front clock head is shown.
  • Manufacture date and specific maker are unspecified in the catalog record.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Early French Comtoise Clock, Morbier Clock - Manufactured In The Franche-Comte Region Of France 7"X10"X16"

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 702757b3b0

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.