Vintage Precision Clock, 1825

Paris
mahogany, bronze, enamel
circa 1825

Dimensions: H x W x D: 49 x 28 x 15 cm

:
Antique precision portal clock from the 1820s.
The round arch in which the movement is mounted is supported by solid columns. The neatly laid mahogany veneer contrasts beautifully with the finely crafted and fire-gilded bronze parts.

The clockwork is a French pendulum movement with scissor escapement, locking plate striking mechanism and compensation pendulum with blade suspension. It comes from the Tarault Jeune workshop, which, according to Brian Loomes – Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, is documented from 1807-1826 in the Rue St. Denis in Paris.
The power reserve is 21 days.

The white enameled dial ring with black minute track, half-second division and Roman hour numerals is framed by a wide bezel decorated with palmettes. The central area of the dial is finely guilloché and fire-gilded. Here we also find the engraved signature: Tarault Jeune á Paris.
The time is displayed by blued steel hands – Breguet hands for the hours and minutes and a simple straight hand with a crescent-shaped counterweight for the seconds.

Interesting facts:
The compensation pendulum, here designed as a rust pendulum, compensates for rate inaccuracies caused by temperature fluctuations.
The nine rods of the pendulum rod are alternately made of brass and steel. Thanks to the clever arrangement of the rods, which move in opposite directions when the temperature fluctuates, the pendulum bob always remains at the same height regardless of the temperature. As the pendulum is always the same length, the running speed remains largely stable.

Due to its extremely small contact surface, the blade suspension enables an almost frictionless oscillating movement. The pendulum’s pivot point, which is precisely defined on the cutting edge, allows the most accurate calculations to be made for gear correction. One of the photos shows the upper end of the pendulum without the back cover. The minimal contact surface in the blade suspension is clearly visible in this photo.

The pendulum can be adjusted by means of a knurled screw. It allows even the slightest misalignment to be compensated for where the clock is set up.

Condition:
The movement has been dismantled and cleaned from top to bottom. It runs reliably and accurately. The case and the bronzes have also been cleaned and are in beautiful and authentic condition.

Table regulators by Tarault Jeune were sold at Sotheby’s New York in October 2018, as well as at Christies New York in January 1970 and October 1996.

Please compare the following literature:
Derek Roberts – Precision Pendulum Clocks p. 99 Fig. 31-14A