A Bucket List Find!
Some people have bucket lists with places they want to visit, or experiences that they want to have. However, my bucket list tends to lean more toward antique treasures that I would like to find!
One item that has been on my bucket list for almost five years is an antique French Morbier clock.
I’ve always been drawn to them and had hopes that one day I would find a working Morbier clock that was in my budget. Well, my patience has finally paid off!
While attending an auction several weeks ago, I was so surprised to see that one of the items being auctioned was a coveted Morbier clock. I was cautiously excited, knowing that many times they sell pretty high, but I definitely wanted to bid on it.
Surprisingly, no one wanted it, and when the final gavel went down, I was the winning bidder!
We brought it home and hung it in the family room, replacing another clock that had previously hung in the same spot.
Also known as a Comtoise clock, the names Morbier and Comtoise are the names of the French villages and regions where these clocks were once made.
Many will have the maker’s name on the face, and I was so excited to see that mine does!
These clocks were built by the combined work of farming families and clock makers, beginning in the 1700’s, with the farming families working on them during the long winter months.
They have elaborate faces stamped out of very thin brass and many will have a heavily ornamental stamped brass pendulum.
Their designs usually reflect whatever was going on in the maker’s life at the time with motifs of farming, harvests, grapes, weddings, religious designs, etc.
Ours is designed with a wheat, grapes, and flower design, and what’s most unusual about ours is, the old handpainted details.
When we brought it home and carefully hung it, winding the heavy weights, and setting the time, we were anxious to hear the chime on the hour and half hour.
What we were’t expecting was for it to chime on the hour, and then two minutes later to repeat the sequence.
We thought something was wrong with it, but after some research, we realized that they are designed this way.
Striking the hour twice is an unusual feature of these Morbier clocks.
For example, at 6:00, the clock strikes six times, and 6:02, the clock strikes six times again.
Sometimes they are called prayer repeat clocks…..the first chime is a call to prayer, and the second signals time to begin prayer.
This religious tradition dates to the 12th century when most clocks were built for churches.
It’s taken some getting used to, hearing it chime two minutes apart….and RubyLou isn’t at all thrilled with it interrupting her nap time.
Every time the clock chimes, RubyLou cocks her head to the side. She’s so cute!
She’s probably thinking, “That is so annoying….”!
I’m so glad to be able to mark this treasure off of my bucket list!
Fall has definitely arrived here in Southwest Missouri, with temperatures dropping, the wind blowing, and colorful leaves falling from the trees.
Today was a good day to stay inside and work on projects and enjoy the scents of the season from my new candle from Hillhouse Naturals.
The scent is Pumpkin Ginger in a gorgeous colored glass, and it smells amazing!
The perfect scent for Fall!
So tell me…..what’s on your bucket list?
Cheers,
Cindy
{This is not a sponsored post, however Hillhouse Naturals did provide the candle to try. All opinions are 100% my own.}
One thing I had on my bucket list of antiques was a small oak Catholic church front row pew. I came across on in an antique store about 10 years ago and still treasure it today. It so cute and curves around as it is the smallest pew in the front of the church with the pews behind gradually taper out larger. Perfect for our front entryway.
What a wonderful find!
While I think your new clock is beautiful, I have been on the hunt for a Mora one like yours in the background. I so enjoy Edith and Evelyn!
Thank you, Marty! The Mora clock you see is actually a reproduction from Antique Farmhouse!
Clocks have been a welcomed sound in my home for many years especially when my husbands work took him away from home for weeks at a time. To wake up in the middle of the night or to come home on a dark dreary day and hear the clocks chime brought me comfort. They were like a friend saying hello. I’m looking for a french chest for my bedroom with a marble top. When I see a piece painted that turns out so pretty like yours, I’m thankful you had the courage to do it. I dislike moldings that are left in their natural state in some homes that become part of the decor, when painting them wouldn’t have drawn the eye. I would love to go antiquing with you. That’s a bucket list wish for sure.
Alice, you are so sweet, thank you!
This was such an interesting post and I CANNOT BELIEVE you didn’t have to get into a bidding battle to win this beautiful clock. Surely, it was meant to come home with you. Congratulations! On my bucket list is a pair of antique Bergere chairs.
Thank you Theresa! Keep looking, those Bergere chairs will find you!
Oh Ruby Lou we do love you! And Cindy we love your clock too. Happy you came to acquire one.
Congratulations on a fabulous find! Do you think the handpainting is original or did someone years ago think (as many of us would) wouldn’t a little color brighten it up? I have quite a few things that I touch up. My husband cringes sometimes and I get the ‘do you know how old that is’ question. On a shopping adventure with a friend one day in a for-sure-enough antique store, the owner heard me say that I had painted an old buffet and had it in my garden shed for storage. Bless the poor man’s heart, I thought we were going to have to call 911 for him! I assured him that I don’t own any valuable antiques and I certainly wouldn’t paint them if I did (even tho I totally would if I wanted to) he calmed down. I bought a pretty Victorian candy dish for my sister-in-law and we got out of there before I caused him anymore distress. Love your blog, your home, and your ‘sharing’ spirit. Thank you for inviting us into your home.
I’ve had a friend that specializes in antique appraisals look at it, and he seems to think that the paint is original. Lol, I love the story of the antique store owner….I’ve had someone tell me that I should be arrested for painting furniture!
What a beautiful clock!! Thanks for giving us the history of it!!
Cindy, this is my first time to ever leave a comment, although I have loved following each of your updates for some time now. Love the clock. Like others, I had never heard of that type of clock, but the history and the details in the clock are amazing. Your home is such an inspiration — love it every time I see another update from you! Thank you for sharing it all!
Thank you so much, Susan! I appreciate your sweet words so much! Thanks for following along!
What a beautiful clock Cindy! I have never heard of them before and enjoyed learning something new. You are so inspirational, …love your home and your tasteful way of decorating. Always look forward to your posts!
Cheerfully,
Nancy J. Tx.
Thank you so much, Nancy!
Congrats on marking something off your bucket list of tangibles. Thank you for introducing me and others to these clocks and their history. The clock is truly magnificent…and looks stunning in the room. You must smile every time you walk by it! As for my bucket list of tangibles….I have to say at the top of my “home” list would be an an exquisitely carved French armoire that I have seen in a shop that … and on my “personal” list, it would have to be a Chanel jacket. Yes, I guess that is why they call it a “wish” list too!
Ohhh, yes a carved French armoire would be an amazing find….and a Chanel vintage jacket….would you want vintage or new?
That clock is something special….I share Pettis words…as I am so happy when I see your post and your kind response to all….amazing.
Oh my, thank you so much Bille! I value each and every one of you!
~Cindy
Your clock is amazing !!!! what history they tell . I am so happy for you !! Your puppy is so cute.
Silly on my bucket list I just would like to get a walk in shower !! hehe
Are you getting snow yet ??
Have a joyful weekend !
Paula IN
Lol, I hope you get that walk in shower, Paula! Not snowing yet, but tomorrow is going to be a high of 45 degrees! Yikes! I’m not quite ready for it to be that cold!
How lucky for you, I love clocks, my father was a clock repairman and I have so many of his clocks in my home now. They do make a home feel like a home. But I never heard of this kind. There are so many types of clocks, I wonder if anyone has counted the types out there.
I have never heard of this type of clock before and it is beautiful. Lucky you!
Thanks, Janice!
Your finds are always beautiful, and so is your home. We are lucky to have found you, because the way you pull everything together is amazing
Thank you so much, Ivory!
Love your clock! So pretty. I don’t know if I have anything on my bucket list. Maybe when I feel I have found all the big things I will be able to create a more detailed bucket list. Right now I have my eyes open for some French chairs…something I know YOU love.
Nancy
Thank you, Nancy! I’m trying to find a few french chairs myself! For some reason they have become difficult to find in my area! Good luck in finding yours!
I love the clock! Especially the prayer repeat feature. I live in SEC of Kansas, near Joplin, MO. Looks like fall is finally here.
We are just South of Springfield! Yes, Fall has definitely arrived, and tomorrow is going to feel more like Winter!
Hi Cindy, I had never heard of a Morbier clock before I read your post, but that is certainly a beautiful unusual clock. I am so happy for you that it went into your possession. I love the design and all the detailed work on it.
On my bucket list right now is finding the right antique dining room table that is within my budget. I am also hunting for a big mirror with a golden frame.
Wishing you wonderful calm autumn days.
Warm regards,
Christina
Thank you, Christina! Good luck on your treasure hunt!
You lucky girl! That’s a wonderful find.
Thanks, Terry!
I know, I need to get a life, but I always get excited every time you send a new post! You are so sweet and the little dog is to die for! God bless you.
Aw, thank you so much Sherri! Blessings to you, dear friend!
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks, Julie!
It is so much fun to find that treasure you have been looking for. Beautiful clock…
But my question is, will you be selling that darling one you replaced? If so, can I have 1st dibs?! I would love to have something you made.
Hi Linda! I haven’t decided whether I will sell the other clock or not, but I will be glad to let you know if I do!
Cindy, I’m new to your blog. I was stunned at the beauty of your clock. I love French antiques as well. What’s next on your list?
Thank you, Connie! I’m looking for a pair of French altar candelabras with blue opaline flowers. There’s actually a local antique shop that has a pair of them, but they are pretty pricey, and I’m not sure they would negotiate down enough to fit my budget. But they would be perfect for the mantel in the newly renovated living room! I can’t stop thinking about them, so I may have to talk to them to see what kind of a deal they could make.
Cindy, Your Morbier bucket list find is stunning! Old clocks are indeed treasures and to find one in working condition is a big plus. It fits beautifully within your decor.
I had to laugh when you mentioned Ruby Lou probably thinking, “That is so annoying….!” So true. We have four antique grandfather clocks; we never hear them at night as we are used to them. However, when we have company stay overnight, they are not as thrilled with mellow, old chiming.
I love the story on the history of Morbier clocks, especially learning about ‘prayer repeat clocks’. Enjoy your beautiful new treasure.
Thank you, Wrenda! Lol, I can imagine that guests wouldn’t find the chiming so charming! Like you, we don’t even hear this one at night.
What a treasure! I guess I don’t really have a bucket list except for a hope that someday we can find a home with a little bit of land…away from noises of city.
Oh, I can completely understand that, Connie!
I love your home and love RubyLou too!! This clock is amazing! I learn so much from your adventures and your decorating style. You have wonderful taste. My bucket list may not be as interesting but I would love a large dough bowl but my husband won’t pay the price, so I keep trying, hoping he gives in to his lovely wife, hahahahaha!
Thanks for sharing this lovely piece!
Thank you, Maggie! You should put a dough bowl on layaway, and then it doesn’t hurt near as much!
I have been waiting for a cabinet with glass doors to hold some of my antique quilts. I found one this week and spent a happy morning tucking quilts inside it. My house is pretty full, but I still dream of a masterpiece quilt, cranberry glass and flower bedecked jardinere.
Oh, those are lovely treasures, Carole!
I love to learn new things and I had never heard of this clock before. It is truly lovely. Your home looks so pretty for Autumn. Blessings.
Thank you so much, Debbie!
Cindy, I covet your home, treasured pieces and decor style!! (it would be a dream come true to decorate my home like yours) My bucket list is to inherit all (everything) that is yours!! For each and everyone are truly masterpieces.
Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us. All the hard work you and your husband has put into each room of your home is truly paying off.
Thank you, sweet Robin! I’m sure my children don’t share your opinion of my treasures!
Aww – how can that be? But like you, my girls have different decor taste as well. Have a wonderful day.
I have never heard of this clock, so this was a fascinating post Cindy. I love the ornamentation of the brass face and pendulum, its beautiful!
Thank you, Amy! I’ve wanted on of these clocks for so long and every time I found one, either they didn’t work, or they were outrageously priced. I’m still so surprised that I was able to get this one at a decent price, and it works perfectly!
My bucket list piece was a Hoosier cabinet.
Like you budget, timing and condition all had to come together…and last summer it finally did!!!
Your clock is uniquely beautiful!
Wonderful, Margie! These treasures will find us if we have patience to wait for them! My mother had a Hoosier cabinet, it was white with red trim. It was a piece that had been on her “bucket list” and she finally found one!
Cindy, what a treasure you have in your gorgeous clock. Thank you for posting this and all the information about it. I have never seen one or had not heard of them. It is a true beauty and it is so interesting about how it strikes twice. Old clocks are so wonderful. We have an English bell chime, tall case clock from the late 1700’s which also has the makers name on it. You will so enjoy your wonderful clock each and every day. And, Miss Ruby Lou will adjust.
Have a great weekend, and I agree with you regarding your “Bucket List Find.”
Your clock sounds wonderful, Sandra! I thought the ticking and chiming would bother me, but we’re really enjoying the sound, and you’re right, Miss RubyLou will get used to it!
Fabulous clock, Cindy and I loved learning about this. I have never heard of them before.
Thanks, Kim!
Congratulations on your fabulous find/winning bid! Ruby Lou is adorable.
Thank you, Rita!
Cindy what a gorgeous treasure, good things come to those that wait. My thrill is when I see a new post from you.
Patti
Aw, thank you so much Patti! That means so much to me!