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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall case clock

Morbier Tall Case Clock

Partially verified

This Morbier tall case clock features a case constructed of grain-painted pine, measuring 92 inches in height, 21 inches in width, and 11 inches in depth. The exterior includes decorative painted motifs depicting shocks of wheat and flowers. The dial is set within an ornate stamped brass surround, complemented by a large pendulum visible through the central aperture of the case. The clock is signed by the shopkeeper R. Leberthon of Champdeniers in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The mechanism is designed to strike on the hour and half-hour intervals. The clock originates from the estate of Serge Capel of Cognac, France. It is supplied with its weights and a replacement winding key. The auction description notes that the timepiece is currently not in continuous operation. The exterior woodwork displays minor signs of age-related wear, while the dial remains in good condition without significant visible degradation.

Full view of the Morbier tall case clock.
Full view of the Morbier tall case clock. — Diederich Auction Gallery (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Tall case clock
Maker / attribution
R. Leberthon
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
23
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 Construction and Decoration

The clock is housed in a tall case constructed from pine. The surface treatment employs grain painting techniques to simulate the appearance of other wood species, embellished with painted decorative elements including shocks of wheat and floral patterns.

The physical dimensions of the case are noted as 92 inches high, 21 inches wide, and 11 inches deep. The central portion of the trunk features an aperture through which the pendulum is visible. The auction description reports that the case is in good condition despite its age, with minor wear present on the wood surfaces.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grain painted pine case with accent decoration in the form of shocks of wheat and flowers.”
  • “it stands 92" in height. (7 ft. 8 in.). Width of the case is 21" and it is11" deep.”
  • “Case is in good condition for age and use. There is minor wear to the wood.”

Dial and Mechanism

The clock dial is framed by a stamped brass surround featuring decorative metalwork. The timekeeping mechanism is configured to provide an acoustic signal on both the hour and the half-hour.

The auction description reports that the dial surface is in good condition, exhibiting no visible wear. The clock is provided with the necessary weights to operate the movement, though the winding key currently paired with the clock is reported as non-original. The movement is not currently maintaining continuous operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Excellent stamped brass face surround on the dial and the monumentally sized pendulum.”
  • “Strikes on the hour and the half hour.”
  • “And the dial looks. very good with no wear.”
  • “Complete with weights and non original winding key.”

Provenance and Attribution

The clock is attributed to the shop of R. Leberthon located in Champdeniers, within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of western France. In accordance with regional practices for these timepieces, the dial or case bears the identification of both the shopkeeper and the location.

The object was recently imported from France and is identified as coming from the estate of Serge Capel of Cognac, France. The auction description reports that the item arrived shortly before the cataloguing process.

Evidence for this section
  • “In this case.the shopkeeper is R. Leberthon and the town is Champdeniers which is.in in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in western France.”
  • “it comes from the estate of Serge Capel of Cognac France.”
  • “Clock was unpacked 30 minutes ago from its trip from France”

Open research questions

  • What is the approximate date of manufacture for this specific Morbier clock?
  • Are there internal movement markings to confirm the attribution to R. Leberthon as a retailer rather than a maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Morbier Tall Case Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerR. Leberthon“the shopkeeper is R. Leberthon”
LocationChampdeniers, France“the town is Champdeniers which is.in in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in western France.”
Dimensions92 x 21 x 11 inches“it stands 92" in height. (7 ft. 8 in.). Width of the case is 21" and it is11" deep.”
ProvenanceEstate of Serge Capel“it comes from the estate of Serge Capel of Cognac France.”
ConditionMinor wear“Case is in good condition for age and use. There is minor wear to the wood.”
FunctionalityStrikes on hour and half-hour“Strikes on the hour and the half hour.”

Visible details

  • Painted grain finish on pine wood
  • Ornate stamped brass dial surround
  • Visible pendulum in case aperture
  • Wheat and flower motifs on case

Research qualifications

  • Current operational status is non-continuous
  • Key is explicitly stated as non-original

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

Consulted source

Antique French Morbier Tall Case Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 9e6c2d219e

Terms in this record

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

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