"Whisper of the Waves" Sculpture and Clock

[ghopper1924]

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KC]

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

[ghopper1924]

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.

[mart]

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 ??

[ghopper1924]

That lines up with what I've been reading. Thanks Mart!

[mart]

Its a nice one Ghopper !!

[KC]

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.

[ghopper1924]

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.

[mart]

Ha !!  Saw that KC,, just figured you were waiting for the brain fog to lift !! 

[KC]

LOLOL Mart, the fog is ever present!  😀

[mart]

Same here KC !!

[SophieMarie]

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+

[ghopper1924]

Wow, thanks SophieMarie. Looks like you've got it!!

A point for you!

[mart]

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Japy+Clock+Movement+Makers%27+Marks&FORM=IRMHRS

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