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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall case clock

French Tall Case Clock (Horloge De Parquet)

Partially verified

This French horloge de parquet, or tall case clock, features a solid cherry wood case constructed in two sections with pegged and mortise-and-tenon joinery. Dated by the source to circa 1760–1780, the tapered trunk exhibits a central inlaid marquetry star motif, shaped panelling, and a chapeau de gendarme cresting atop the hood. Housed within is a source-reported late 19th-century seven-day Morbier movement with an embossed brass surround and a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, striking on the hour and half hour.

Frontal view of the French solid cherry horloge de parquet showing the arched hood, glazed dial opening, and shaped trunk door
Frontal view of the French solid cherry horloge de parquet showing the arched hood, glazed dial opening, and shaped trunk door — Olivier Fleury French Antiques of Winter Park, FL. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.chairish.com
Category
Clock · Tall case clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
27876945
Source-reported date
Circa 1760-1780 (case), late 19th century (movement)
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

Case Construction and Form

The tall case clock is constructed from solid cherry wood in two sections, measuring 96 inches in total height. The case features a tapered body and utilizes pegged and mortise-and-tenon joinery. The hood is topped with a chapeau de gendarme crown and contains original glass panes.

The central door panel is decorated with an inlaid marquetry star motif within a molded medallion. The assembly is supported by four feet, which are noted to have undergone restoration during the 19th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “tall case clock made of solid cherry”
  • “pegged and mortise and tenon construction”
  • “chapeau de gendarme crown”
  • “marquetry star detail”
  • “18th century case has be restored at the feet in the 19th c.”

Dial and Movement

The clock face features a white enamel dial with hand-painted Roman numerals, housed behind the glazed hood door. The dial is framed by an embossed brass surround.

The movement is a seven-day Morbier type designed to strike on the hour and once on the half-hour. The seller states the movement is from the late 19th century, making it non-contemporary with the 18th-century case.

Evidence for this section
  • “enamel face with hand painted Roman numerals”
  • “decorative embossed brass surround”
  • “Seven day Morbier movement striking on the hour and once on the half.”
  • “the clock is from the late 19th century.”

Attribution and Provenance

The clock case is attributed to the period of circa 1760–1780. The surface is described as having a waxed patina.

The item is currently listed by Olivier Fleury French Antiques of Winter Park, FL.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is from the 18th century”
  • “Circa 1760-1780”
  • “Waxed patina.”
  • “Olivier Fleury French Antiques of Winter Park, FL”

Open research questions

  • What are the structural implications of the 19th-century movement integration within an 18th-century cherry wood case?
  • Are there specific comparative examples of marquetry star motifs in 18th-century French regional horology?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Tall Case Clock (Horloge De Parquet)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialSolid cherry“tall case clock made of solid cherry”
Movement TypeSeven day Morbier movement“Seven day Morbier movement striking on the hour and once on the half.”
Case ConstructionPegged mortise and tenon“pegged and mortise and tenon construction”
Marquetry DetailStar motif“tapered body with a marquetry star detail”
Overall Dimensions96"H x 19"W x 12.5"D“Overall Dimensions: 96"H x 19"W x 12.5"D”

Visible details

  • Full-height standing cherry wood case with an arched chapeau de gendarme hood
  • Glazed hood door revealing a white circular dial and relief brass surround
  • Carved central door panel centered by a star inlay within a molded medallion
  • Straight base supported on four squared bracket feet

Research qualifications

  • Movement is reported to date from the late 19th century and is non-contemporary with the 18th-century case
  • Source notes previous restoration to the feet dating to the 19th century
  • Internal movement components, pendulum, and weights are not visible in the primary photograph

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

Consulted source

18th Century French Tall Case Clock or Horloge De Parquet | Chairish

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record c342c507fb

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

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