French gesso tall clock, standing 7 feet, 8 inches, ca 1870-1880.

French gesso tall clock, standing 7 feet, 8 inches, ca 1870-1880. The movement is French, 8 day, spring, count wheel, striking on a coil gong; movement and dial are original to the case. The movement has been expertly serviced and repaired as needed. The clock was stored in an attic for 50 years and due to deterioration of the plaster molds over base wood, restoration was required. This type of decoration was popular in France and throughout Europe from the 1850's to about 1890. Plaster molds were designed by commissioned artists, the plaster was then applied, sealed, and coated with a layer of gold gilt and sealed again with clear shellac. After months of research a very gifted artist restored the damaged parts to this case, applied many coats of stain and gold gilt over the wood and plaster moldings. All colors used were color matched with original stain colors still on the case. Amber shellac was used to seal and protect the gold, leaving a deep semi-transparent gold tone. A beautifully restored French clock. Similar clocks are pictured and described in most clock books.