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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Pendule

French Pendule by Louis Montjoyé

Partially verified

This French pendule clock features a fire-gilt bronze case attributed to the designer and manufacturer Robert Osmond, featuring the signature mirror-inverted “N” on the reverse of the base. The movement is signed “Monjoye fils hor.-ger du Roy AParis” on the brass backplate. The dial includes Roman hours, Arabic quarter hours, a central moon phase aperture with an indicator for a date semicircle, and is framed by a laurel festoon.

French pendule clock with planetary mechanism and putti figures, featuring a dial with moon phase and calendar indication.
French pendule clock with planetary mechanism and putti figures, featuring a dial with moon phase and calendar indication. — Hampel Fine Art Auctions (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Pendule
Maker / attribution
Louis Montjoyé
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
33
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
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

Case and External Features

The clock is housed in a fire-gilt bronze case featuring a rectangular base with half-round projections at the corners. The front of the base displays a niche containing sculpted books and a square. Supporting the main dial is a high fluted column, which is flanked by two seated putti figures equipped with a compass and scroll.

The upper portion of the column is surmounted by a complex astronomical structure consisting of six interlocking, rotating spherical rings. These rings are individually engraved with names of planets, and the structure includes a horizontal ring marked with zodiac signs, months, and days of the month.

Evidence for this section
  • “Das Gehäuse in feuervergoldeter Bronze in figürlich bereichertem Aufbau”
  • “An der Sockelfront tiefe Nischenöffnung in Art eines Bücherregals, mit darin liegenden Büchern und Winkelmaß”
  • “Bekrönung der Säule durch einen Sphärenaufbau mit sechs ineinander liegenden, drehbaren Sphärenringen”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock dial is positioned at the front of the fluted column, protected by arched glazing. It displays Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the quarter-hours, surrounded by a ribbon-tied laurel festoon. The time is indicated by gilt, delicate open-work hands.

A central feature of the dial is an aperture for the moon phases, set within a blue enamelled bezel featuring gold stars. A small indicator attached to the moon phase disc points to a semicircle marked with the dates.

Evidence for this section
  • “Das Zifferblatt an der Vorderseite der Säule mit gewölbter Verglasung, mit römischen Stunden und arabischen Viertelstunden”
  • “Mittig offene Mondphasen-Lünette, blau emailliert, mit goldenen Sternen und Mondscheibe, deren Zeigernase auf einen Datums-Halbkreis weist.”

Movement and Signatures

The movement is accessed via a removable flap on the rear of the clock. The brass backplate bears the engraved signature of Louis Montjoyé. The clock operates using a pendulum suspended by a silk cord and utilizes a count wheel system for striking the hours and half-hours on a bell.

Attribution of the case is linked to Robert Osmond based on the specific detail of the mirror-inverted 'N' found in the 'OSMOND' signature on the back of the base.

Evidence for this section
  • “Werk-Rückplatine in Messing, darauf in Gravur signiert: „Monjoye fils hor.-ger du Roy AParis“.”
  • “Typisch für seine Signatur das spiegelverkehrte „N“ in „OSMOND“, so auch hier an der Rückseite des Sockels.”

Open research questions

  • Can the clock be definitively dated within the career span of Louis Montjoyé?
  • What is the intended functionality of the planetary spheres and their relationship to the clock movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Pendule by Louis Montjoyé
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Height47 cm“Höhe: 47 cm.”
Width27 cm“Breite: 27 cm.”
Depth23 cm“Tiefe: 23 cm.”
Movement SignatureMonjoye fils hor.-ger du Roy AParis“Werk-Rückplatine in Messing, darauf in Gravur signiert: „Monjoye fils hor.-ger du Roy AParis“.”
Case AttributionRobert Osmond“Ferdinand-Berthoud-Robert Osmond war französischer Designer und Uhrengehäuse-Hersteller”
Suspension TypeSilk suspension“Pendel an Fadenaufhängung”
Striking MechanismCount wheel striking mechanism“Schlossscheiben-Schlagwerk mit Halb- und Stundenschlag auf Glocke”

Visible details

  • Mirror-inverted 'N' in the signature on the base
  • Planetary model with six interlocking, rotating rings
  • Base featuring a niche with sculpted books and square
  • Gilt open-work hands on white dial

Research qualifications

  • Functionality of the movement and planetary mechanism is not confirmed
  • Exact dates for the clock's creation are not provided

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

Consulted source

Außergewöhnlich seltene französische Pendule von Louis Montjoyé

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b092759c90

Terms in this record

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

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