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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: ghopper1924 on September 29, 2017, 01:08:03 PM

Title: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 29, 2017, 01:08:03 PM: Hey all:

First: I apologize for the slightly blurry images, but I'm sure you'll get the gist.

So: This is a bronze clock and sculpture. The sculpture is called "Murmure des Flots" (Whisper of the Waves) and is signed by Rancoulet, as you'll see. It is 28" tall, 16" wide and weighs about 20 lbs. U.S. I'm guessing its from France, ca. 1900.

The clock appears to be French, with a ceramic dial. I took a photo through the back porthole to get an idea about the movement, but frankly I have no idea who made it. It was point and shoot, because it was total darkness in there and I didn't want to haul the piece around the house without detaching the pendulum. Anyway, there are a couple of parts numbers, but no name.

I have seen these "Murmure" sculptures here and there, but never with a clock. The sculpture is actually spelter, the clock bronze. They fit together as if designed to do so; therefore, this is not a marriage in the usual antique world sense. I believe some of these sculptures were made to go with this clock model from the get-go.

Does $1K replacement seem realistic?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: KC on September 30, 2017, 10:11:12 AM: First of all I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. For some reason this wasn't marked as "NEW." Those get first look when I grab a minute.

BEAUTIFUL PIECE!

It was commonplace that the "sculptural" part of the clock was made by a foundry and the clock by a clock maker to be married. So, no worries on that.

Have you searched it well to find the foundry mark? That can make a BIG difference in value! As is I would value it at
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 30, 2017, 01:11:29 PM: Quote from: KC on September 30, 2017, 10:11:12 AM
As is I would value it at

Yes? Yes? I'm on pins and needles! ;)

I've now seen 4 or 5 of the sculptures, and all of them are described as spelter. There's no doubt that the wave clock is bronze, and designed to go with the sculpture. The spelter/bronze combo is definitely unusual, but there's no doubt that's what it is. Not able to find a foundry mark or manufacturer's mark on the movement, but I'm told with clocks of this type that is not important.

So, your thoughts on value? I do appreciate your opinion KC, and wouldn't mind hearing from Ms. Mart as well.
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: mart on October 01, 2017, 08:24:31 PM: It appears to have a paint like finish so I would guess spelter !! Almost all the sculptures in spelter by Rancoulet have a bronze clock housing !! In todays market might sell between $1000. and $1200. !! But with the drop in decorative items last few years I wouldn`t bet on it !! As for insurance value,, go $1500. remember insurance is usually for replacement value,, (check your policy fine print) !! If you can find one what would it cost ??
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: ghopper1924 on October 02, 2017, 05:27:04 AM: That lines up with what I've been reading. Thanks Mart!
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: mart on October 02, 2017, 08:01:57 AM: Its a nice one Ghopper !!
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: KC on October 02, 2017, 11:09:17 AM: Oh wow...I am sooooo sorry. For some strange reason the rest of the information that I typed didn't show up. Did NOT do that on purpose ghopper1924.

It should have been "As is I would value it at $1,200 - $1,500 for insurance purposes." I don't believe your piece is ancient in age but due to the size and clock element it would hard pressed to find another one

Even tho the market ebbs/flows on functional art pieces like this - to replace them is getting harder and harder to do.
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: ghopper1924 on October 02, 2017, 11:20:24 AM: Thanks all, I appreciate your considered opinions. It looks like everyone is more or less on the same page as far as value goes.

I believe the piece dates to ca. 1900. And yes, these are getting harder to find. In fact, this is the first one I've ever seen with both the sculpture and the clock together.
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: mart on October 02, 2017, 07:26:02 PM: Ha !! Saw that KC,, just figured you were waiting for the brain fog to lift !! ;D
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: KC on October 02, 2017, 07:33:35 PM: LOLOL Mart, the fog is ever present! 😀
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: mart on October 03, 2017, 09:37:09 AM: Same here KC !!
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: SophieMarie on October 06, 2017, 09:20:08 PM: Ghopper,

Wow! That is beautiful...I believe what you have there is a French Japy Freres statue clock. Please check out the link:
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=french+japy+freres+lady+statue+clock&qpvt=French+Japy+Freres+Lady+Statue+Clock+
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: ghopper1924 on October 07, 2017, 06:38:30 AM: Wow, thanks SophieMarie. Looks like you've got it!!

A point for you!
Title: Re: "Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock
Post by: mart on October 07, 2017, 08:11:21 AM: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Japy+Clock+Movement+Makers%27+Marks&FORM=IRMHRS

re-do Cant see the mark on the movement !!