Pendulum Clock, Robert & Frères, 19th Century

Pendulum clock, Robert & Frères, 19th century

Portico pendulum clock, characterized by an architectural structure with four columns and an arched pediment.

Clock complete but in need of servicing.

Early 19th century (circa 1810–1840).

The portico style with turned columns and semicircular pediment is typical of the European Empire/Late Empire style.

Dimensions: H 55 x W 38 x D 15 cm

Materials:

Ebonized wood in the dark parts

Columns in wood painted to imitate marble (a technique widely used at the time)

Brass decorations and rings

Enamel dial with Roman numerals

Chime:

The movement has two chimes (typically hours + half hours), as was usual in pendulum clocks with good quality mechanisms.

Internal movement:

Brass, with visible pendulum, driven by weights suspended by ropes.

Engraving on the movement

Robert & Frères du Comun à La Chaux-de-Fonds

Robert & Frères: “Robert & Brothers.”

An important family of Swiss watchmakers active between the 18th and 19th centuries.

du Comun: indicates a branch or location associated with the Robert family (probably “Le Commun,” an area near La Chaux-de-Fonds).

à La Chaux-de-Fonds: Swiss city in the canton of Neuchâtel, historic capital of watchmaking, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Roberts, including the Robert & Frères branch, were among the most active manufacturers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The engraving therefore indicates that the movement is Swiss.