When you’re in the business of buying and selling vintage and antique goods, it’s hard to let go of some of the special pieces. However, I usually don’t keep much of what I find. The majority of it goes into the online shop.
But…..I recently got in a shipment from my French seller, and inside the box, packed very carefully, was something that I have to keep.
As many of you know, I collect antique religious pieces, especially those of French origin. I have a special affection for pieces that depict the Infant Jesus and little St. John the Baptist, or as a sweet friend refers to them, “The Holy Boys”.
When I opened the shipment from France and I saw this antique 19th century French clock, with the figure of little St. John and the Lamb, my heart literally skipped a beat.
I have searched for years and have only found one, several years ago, that was way out of my budget.
To say that I was thrilled that my French seller found this one is an understatement!
Made of gilded spelter and marble, it’s very ornate, and the details are just exquisite.
The clock needs a little work in order to run {I think it’s wound too tight}, but the clock key is still with it. However, I don’t really care if it runs or not!
This is one of those special pieces that is rarely found.
I’ve moved it around the house to several different spots and I’m not sure where it will end up, but definitely someplace where I can see it every day!
On another note, we’ve had a few days of cooler temperatures and now it’s heating back up again. Hopefully the days of Autumn are coming soon. I am so ready. We’re still working outside on some landscaping, painting trim on the house, and also managing to make progress on the office/study makeover.
I’ve also been trying to get some Fall decorating done for a wonderful French Country Fall Home Tour at the end of the week. Along with twelve other French Country bloggers, we are partnering with Soft Surroundings and Romantic Homes Magazine!
You won’t want to miss it!
Cheers,
Cindy
That is a beautiful clock! I can understand why you’re keeping it. It goes so well with the rest of your decor. Like you said, the clock doesn’t have to run to be desirable.
Thanks Florence!
Gorgeous! However no such thing as a clock being “wound too tight”. Check with a clock shop and you’ll see. It could be dirt, old oil gumming things up, and just need a good cleaning.
What a lovely find!!! It looks fantastic on top of that chest!
Thank you Angelina!
OMGoodness, it is exquisite! It is perfect for your home!!! I would have gasped when I saw it. It is just gorgeous.
Thank you Pinky!
Ouch Cindy that is a beauty…..I love it! Simply stunning…I wouldn’t want to part with it either….lucky gal you…lol….
Smiles~
Mari
Thanks Mari!
~Cindy~
Beautiful !! I love reading about St.John and the love he had for our Lord.
Yes, Indeed you need to definitely keep that treasure.
Blessings
Paula
Thank you so much Paula!
It is a beautiful clock. When do u think u may finish the office study? I’m looking forward to the reveal. I’m in a rehab now and my iPad is a lifesaver second only to my family. Next best thing is your blog, Pinterest and HomeTalk! Have been rereading much of ur blog. Thanks
Oh my goodness, thank you Diane! We are working on the office/study now, as well as trying to finish up some outdoor work on the days that the sun is shining. Hopefully we will have it ready for reveal soon. Thank you so much for your sweet words and for following the blog, I appreciate it so much! Many blessings to you and I will keep you in my prayers!
Oh Cindy this is absolutely gorgeous, I can see why you are keeping it! One of those items that you don’t have to give a second thought to.
Blessings,
Candy
Thank you Candy!
Definitely a keeper and perfect for your home. I know you’ll enjoy it for years to come. I collect small vintage alarm clocks and most of them don’t work either but they look charming on a shelf. Certainly a new favorite find!
Thank you Pat! I bet your collection looks amazing!
So lovely! I’m excited for you! You have a number of beautiful pieces that I admire. I think one of my favorites is the bust of Mary, in your family room. She was sitting under the orphan register. Enjoy your beautiful clock.
Thank you Elizabeth! The French Mary bust was a gift from my hubby many years ago so she holds a special place in my heart! Thanks for commenting!
Oh my, Cindy! My heart would have skipped a beat also. Like you I love religious decor, especially French. That would be a keeper for me…..very nice clock. Who cares if it works, just Beautiful! I buy working or not just for the sculptor!!! Love looking at your gorgeous home.
Thank you so much Nancy! I don’t care if they work or not, either. They are works of art. I just set the hands to a time that is meaningful to me, such as the birth of my son, and display them! Thanks so much for commenting!
Beautiful ! Though I love to hear the ticking of a clock and the chimes if it has it marking time. Lovely to look at and to hear . It’s a treasure . Were these types of clocks in churches or homes?
Hi Kathleen! I believe these would have been in the homes of the affluent French. It is indeed a treasure. Thanks for commenting!
What a beautiful piece! No matter where you decide to put it, it will be stunning. I can see why you are keeping this one!
Thank you Maureen!
It is a gorgeous clock and a perfect focal point!
Thank you Linda! It’s truly a special piece!
All good gifts are from above….you must be doing something right 🙂 Enjoy!
I love that saying Karen, thank you!
Christmas came early for you! Would love to see pictures of the on-going work on your office…. please?
Thank you BJ! I’ll try to post something on the progress soon!
LOL … the “Holy Boys”! (I’m a cradle Catholic, school, uniform, the whole works) but have never heard that phrase. Love it! Thanks for sharing your new treasure. It’s beautiful.
Thank you Cynthia! A sweet friend referred to them as the “Holy Boys” and I loved it!
What an amazing surprise you received. I can’t believe the excellent condition in spite of being wound too tight 🙂 . You will certainly enjoy it for many years. Pinned
Thank you so much Debra!
You did find a treasure! That clock was just meant for your beautiful home. I’d love it if you would link this to our Monday Social.
Thank you so much Ellis!
OK…this is truly a breathtaking, be still my heart piece!….You must have gasped when you opened the container…Truly a piece as you said that is remarkable and a real find. I can see you smile every time you look at this piece. It will enhance any room in which you place it. This gorgeous clock is in a home that it will be so loved and admired.
Thank you Shirley! I have searched for one of these sacred clocks for so long, I can’t believe I finally have one!
Hi Cindy – a beautiful clock for sure!! Looks great where you have it!!! Such fun to find a real treasure:)
Celia
Thank you Celia!
Just love it. I would keep it too!
It’s definitely a keeper Maryann! I may never see another one!
Cindy,
I love your clock,because,like you, I adore vintage religious pieces. I know how excited you must have been to get this prize…enjoy
Thank you Diane!
Not to worry about a clock wound to tight,I am usually wound to tight and work daily!
Hahaha Vicki!