Tortoise Shell French Clock
A beautiful small size French clock made by clock making partnership Raingo Freres. This clock veneered in tortoise shell also features brass and ebony inlay and gilded floral castings to the front elevation. The ceramic dial is in excellent condition although the retailers address painted between the centre and 6 is significantly faded. The fully restored 8 day movement features a tic tac escapement, count wheel striking system and silk suspension pendulum fitting. It strikes the hours on a delicate sounding bell.
The origins of this company lie with Zacharie Joseph Raingo (1775 – 1847). He made a planetary pendulum clock in 1824 for king George the IV, now in Windsor castle. Later in 1860 the company made clocks commissioned for Emperor Napoleon the III and Empress Eugenie, these now are part of a collection at Musee de Louvre.
The clock is 21cm tall, and the dial size is 75mm.