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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wall clock · Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel musical clock, attributed to Maillardet (Val-de-Ruz)

Verified

Wooden case decorated with gilt elements. The case consists of four columns with bases and capitals in gilt bronze. The base is separated from the bracket by turned brass feet. Two gilt metal appliques depicting musical instruments complete the decoration. The capitals are surmounted by pinecones, and the bracket is decorated to match.

Technical facts

Inventory number
MIH IV-765
Object type
Wall clock
Place of production
Neuchâtel
Dating
c. 1830
Materials and techniques (catalogue wording)
Bois, Laiton, Émail

Historical significance

  • Wooden case decorated with gilt elements. The case consists of four columns with bases and capitals in gilt bronze. The base is separated from the bracket by turned brass feet. Two gilt metal appliques depicting musical instruments complete the decoration. The capitals are surmounted by pinecones, and the bracket is decorated to match.
  • Enamel dial. Blued steel hands with circular ends. A central hand also indicates the date.
  • Movement with hour and quarter-hour striking, alarm, and date indication.
  • The base contains a musical box signed Ducommun-Girod (Geneva), activated every hour by the clock movement.

Photographs

Neuchâtel musical clock, attributed to Maillardet (Val-de-Ruz) (MIH IV-765)
Neuchâtel musical clock, attributed to Maillardet (Val-de-Ruz) (MIH IV-765) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Neuchâtel musical clock, attributed to Maillardet (Val-de-Ruz) (MIH IV-765)
Neuchâtel musical clock, attributed to Maillardet (Val-de-Ruz) (MIH IV-765) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Neuchâtel musical clock, attributed to Maillardet (Val-de-Ruz) (MIH IV-765)
Neuchâtel musical clock, attributed to Maillardet (Val-de-Ruz) (MIH IV-765) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record

Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.

Sources & references

  1. Musée international d'horlogerie, online collection record, inv. IV-765: https://collection.mih.ch/fr/collection/item/38377/

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.