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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Grandfather clock

Marchion Grandfather Clock

Partially verified

This grandfather clock, signed 'Marchion', is attributed to the 1970s. The clock features a walnut-veneered case with brass floral ornamentation and a central mascaron motif on the lower section. The timepiece is housed in a glazed enclosure, highlighting a brass dial decorated with maritime scenes, including sailing ships, as well as celestial representations of the moon, sun, and earth. The silvered dial ring displays black Roman numerals and integrates a moon phase indicator. The movement is configured for a Westminster strike. The lower section of the case is glazed, revealing the pendulum and three hanging weights that power the mechanism. The clock has a height of approximately 208 cm, a width of 39 cm, and a depth of 22 cm. According to the auction description, the clock remains in good condition and is free-standing.

Full view of the Marchion grandfather clock, showing the glazed trunk and brass-accented walnut case.
Full view of the Marchion grandfather clock, showing the glazed trunk and brass-accented walnut case. — Auktionshaus Wersching (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Grandfather clock
Maker / attribution
Marchion
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
572
Source-reported date
1970s
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Aesthetics

The clock is constructed from a walnut-veneered wood case, featuring a pediment top finished with brass floral finials. The design incorporates a glazed central cabinet section that allows for the viewing of the internal mechanism, specifically the pendulum and three weights suspended on chains.

The lower portion of the case is decorated with a brass mascaron, a sculptural ornament representing a human face, set against the wood veneer. The entire structure is designed as a floor-standing unit, measuring approximately 208 centimeters in height.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case made of walnut, veneered, with brass floral decorations and mascaron.”
  • “Im unteren Kasten sind das Pendel und die drei Gewichte zu sehen.”

Dial and Chronometric Functions

The dial is composed of a brass plate featuring intricate corner spandrels and a silvered ring engraved with black Roman numerals. A distinct feature of the dial is the inclusion of celestial imagery, depicting the sun, earth, and moon, alongside engraved sailing ship motifs positioned within the center and in the arch.

Functionally, the clock includes a moon phase display integrated within the dial arch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Glazed clock case with brass dial and representations of the moon, the sun and the earth.”
  • “display of moon phases and westminster strike.”

Signature and Documentation

The dial is inscribed with the name 'Marchion', which serves as the primary identifier for the piece. The auction records confirm this inscription and categorize the object as dating from the 1970s.

The condition of the clock is reported by the auction house as being in good standing, indicating it remains fully assembled and functional as a free-standing unit.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inscribed: Marchion.”
  • “Grandfather clock "Marchion", 70s.”
  • “Guter Erhaltungszustand, Uhr steht.”

Open research questions

  • What is the geographic origin and production history of the 'Marchion' clock brand?
  • Does the 'Westminster' strike indicate a specific type of German or Swiss movement used by this manufacturer?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Marchion Grandfather Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerMarchion“Inscribed: Marchion.”
Dating1970s“Grandfather clock "Marchion", 70s.”
Case MaterialWalnut veneer with brass accents“Case made of walnut, veneered, with brass floral decorations and mascaron.”
Dial FeaturesMoon, sun, earth imagery and sailing ships“Glazed clock case with brass dial and representations of the moon, the sun and the earth. There are also sailing ships in the dial and above.”
Strike mechanismWestminster“display of moon phases and westminster strike.”
Dimensions208 x 39 x 22 cm“Dimensions: h. ca. 208 cm, w. ca. 39 cm, d. ca. 22 cm.”
ConditionGood“Good condition, clock stands.”

Visible details

  • Case features a brass mascaron on the lower panel.
  • Dial center contains engraved sailing ships.
  • Upper dial aperture displays an anthropomorphic moon phase disc.
  • Three brass-cased weights are visible through the glazed trunk door.

Research qualifications

  • The exact manufacturing origin of the 'Marchion' brand is not specified.
  • The movement's specific caliber or technical history is not documented.

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

Consulted source

Grandfather clock "Marchion", 70s.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 8053d99f1b

Terms in this record

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

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