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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

French decorative wall clock by François Désiré Odobez

Partially verified

This decorative French wall clock features a white dial inscribed 'François Désiré Odobez à Morez depuis 1843' with Roman numerals and pierced decorative hands. Catalogued by I.M. Chait Gallery under Lot 807, the overall clock measures approximately 56 by 14 by 5 inches. The dial includes twin winding arbors set within floral flourishes and is surrounded by an ornate, textured gilt surround adorned with raised floral elements.

Close-up view of the dial and ornate gilt surround of the wall clock
Close-up view of the dial and ornate gilt surround of the wall clock — I.M. Chait Gallery. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
François Désiré Odobez
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
807
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

Dial and Inscription

Visual observation indicates a white dial featuring black Roman hour numerals and an outer minute track, with ornate openwork black hands and two winding apertures situated in the lower portion of the face.

The auction lot description notes the face bears the inscription "Francois Desire Odobez a Mores depuis 1843".

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with black Roman hour numerals and outer minute track”
  • “Ornate openwork black hands”
  • “Two winding apertures positioned in the lower half of the dial”
  • “"Francois Desire Odobez a Mores depuis 1843" to face”

Surround and Dimensions

Visual examination reveals an embossed gilt surround decorated with floral motifs and a beaded lattice pattern framing the dial.

The overall piece is described in the auction record as a "French decorative wall clock" with catalogued dimensions of approximately "56" x 14" x 5" (approx.)".

Evidence for this section
  • “Embossed gilt surround decorated with floral motifs and beaded lattice patterning”
  • “French decorative wall clock”
  • “"56" x 14" x 5" (approx.)”

Documented Condition and Limitations

The listing provides a condition note stating: "Condition: wear, potentially missing parts, not checked for working order".

The available documentation and dial-focused image do not record movement specifications, pendulum details, or the full structure of the case across its stated 56-inch length.

Evidence for this section
  • “Condition: wear, potentially missing parts, not checked for working order”

Open research questions

  • What movement and escapement are installed behind the dial?
  • What does the full 56-inch case look like below the cropped dial image, and does it include a pendulum or weights?
  • When was this clock manufactured by François Désiré Odobez?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French decorative wall clock by François Désiré Odobez
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Lot Number807“Lot 807”
Dial InscriptionFrancois Desire Odobez a Mores depuis 1843“"Francois Desire Odobez a Mores depuis 1843" to face”
Dimensions56" x 14" x 5" (approx.)“"56" x 14" x 5" (approx.)”
Catalogued Conditionwear, potentially missing parts, not checked for working order“Condition: wear, potentially missing parts, not checked for working order”
Auction Estimate$100 - $150“Estimate: $100 - $150”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman hour numerals and outer minute track
  • Ornate openwork black hands
  • Embossed gilt surround decorated with floral motifs and beaded lattice patterning
  • Two winding apertures positioned in the lower half of the dial

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement and full case length are not depicted in the provided dial photograph
  • Reported as having wear, potentially missing parts, and not checked for working order

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

Consulted source

French Decorative Wall Clock by Odobez sold at auction on 24th January | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e534e70a19

Terms in this record

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

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