Sunday, February 27, 2011

Duverdrey & Bloquel then Bayard - Part 1

Clockmaking was the economic engine of the small village of Saint Nicholas D'Aliermont in Normandy for over two hundred and fifty years, beginning with the arrival of Charles-Antoine Croutte in 1725. Son of a clockmaker, Charles -Antoine succeeded so well in attracting workers to the village that 25 years later in 1750, Saint Niicholas counted 8 production shops and 27 on the eve of the French revolution in 1789.
1870?

In 1867, Albert Villon established his clockmaking shop in Saint Nicholas and began creating small 'domestic' alarm and mantle clocks, utilizing Japy Frères' famous enamel dials. Villon identified his clocks by includiing his initials A.V. on the back and added his logo, the "lion passant" or walking lion which became the trademark for over eighty years..

In  1896, Albert Villon associated himself with Paul Duverdrey and Joseph Bloquel and the three of them created the company known as Albert Villon, Duverdrey et Bloquel which operated under that name until  Villon's death in 1902.
It was then rebaptized Duverdrey & Bloquel  and in 1928, the brand name Bayard was retained. Bayard was chosen in reference to a character of French history known as the Chevalier de Bayard, who was without fear and without reproach.



From 1928 to about 1932, many of the clocks produced were stamped with both names - Duverdrey & Bloquel - Bayard mostly on the clock mechanism and finally only Bayard was kept along with the logo of the walking lion. Interestingly, people still confuse the Bayard lion with the car manufacturer Peugeot's lion even though the two of them are dramatically different in design.


1928-29

Logo stamped on Bayard mechanisms
With the increasing mechanization of the manufacturing process, Bayard clocks were mass produced and exported to the four corners of the world during the 1930's - a feat in itself. They also produced models for private brands such as Tribaudeau and the Manufrance catalogue.  Many of the clocks produced by Duverdrey & Bloquel did not have identification marks on the case, only on the clock's internal mechanism which makes identification sometimes a bit tricky. This is especially true for clocks that were manufactured for export.

1926 - 29 Bayard stamp on mechanism

1931 Solid brass clock case




1932 Blue leather desk clock case

The most easily recognizable Bayard clock is the one with the enamel dial and Roman numerals that was produced in varying sizes  and case finishes.



1931 'bijou' type models
This model ranged from the small "bijou" ladies clock in a leather carrying case, to a desk clock to the large mantle clock with a marble case weighing over 3 kgs. 
1934 Large mantle clock style in marble case stamped 'TRIB'.


The model on the left is one of Bayard's best- known and most popular. Produced around 1937, its chrome case and stylized numbering made it into a best-seller. It was also sold in brass, porcelain and stamped Bayard & Bayard . It was a completely new model of clock for the manufacturer. 
On a personal note, Bayard's clock mechanisms are surprisingly sturdy.


41 comments:

  1. Hi I have a mantle clock with the lion passant or walking lion tradmark just like the one above on your site on the back of the time piece the cilnder & insides are brass & round back plate & enamel dial the rest is beautiful carvered wood shaped like a arch can you please help me identify the year maker & of my mantle clock. Thank you for your time Ron

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  2. Hi....a photograph would certainly help so I can look through the old catalogues I have. If it only has the lion passant and no mention of Duverdrey & Bloquel or D&B on the mechanism, then it is an older clock i.e. pre 1902. To date it more accurately, I have to see the model. If it doesn't have the initials AV on it, then it dates between 1896 and 1902.
    Regards
    Miche

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  3. Hi Miche, I don"t know how to send picture threw here. Can you please email me at honda1500guy@yahoo.com and I will send you pictures of the clock. Thank you for your help. Ron

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  4. Hi Sushi, I found your article very interesting.I have a carriage clock with Bayard, Paris on the face. The mechanism has Duverey and Bloquel and the number 507183.Can you date it please? Regrettably the escape wheel spindle has broken and I am trying to locate a replacement. Any ideas where I might get one? I go to France quite frequently if that helps. Chris

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  5. Hi Sushi, I have e mailed as suggested,
    Chris

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  6. Hi Bos....the carriage clock you have is what is called a 'mignonette'The model number is E 189 with an 8-day mouvement and enamel decorations on the dial. It probably mesures about 82 x147mm and weighs 630 grams.

    It is a copy of a Bayard XIXth C officer's clock and was made in 1982-83. They are excellent, high-quality copies of the originals made in massive brass, with bevelled glasses and most of them were made and sold for export to the UK and the US. The factory that bought the Bayard /Duverdrey & Bloquel name made four models of these 'mignonettes' and the back plate
    of the clock very likely has "7 seven (or 9 nine) jewels/unadjusted/Duverdrey & Bloquel/France/ and a series number engraved on it.
    They are still very collectable. Hope this helps

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  7. Hi,

    I have recently purchased a Bayard clock and would be pleased to hear your opinion about it: what year it could have been made and whether it's original or just a copy.
    The clock's style seems to be a bit similar to 'bijou' type model but it says 'French make' instead of 'made in France'.
    Can you please advise how I could send photos of it so that you could see how it looks like. Your help is really appreciated!
    Thanks,
    Sandra

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  8. Hi Sandra....photos are essential. You can send them to sushi134713@gmail.com and I will try to date your clock and give you as much information as possible
    Regards

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  9. Hi Sandra


    Your clock is one of Bayard's high-end 'Ladies Bijou Travel Clocks', made in 1936-1937, specifically for export which explains the French Make on the dial instead of Fabriqué en France or just plain France on it.

    It would have been sold in a small leather case with two little doors that opened to show the clock. They were very sturdy and called 'bijou clocks' because ladies usually put it in their jewelry cases when travelling.

    It's a nice object and certainly illustrates the more gracious age of travel.

    Regards

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  10. Hello,

    Many thanks for your very informative reply to my question. It's a fantastic job you do! :)

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  11. I used the info in this post on my blog - http://goodbaginc.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/vintage-bayard-mickey-mouse-clock/

    Thanks so much! -Lu

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  12. Have Duverdrey & Bloquel Carriage clock made in Franch mech is marked with walking lion, 11 jewel 2 admustments. also has initials on left side cursive L and on right is cursive F. Under these letters is printed R on left and A on right under the cursive F. Face numbers are regular numbers as opposed to Roman. says FRANCE under the 6 hour. works for min then stops, needs cleaning I'm sure. Has #98 carved on beveled glass door. Complete with brass wind key. Parents mar in 1936, this was wedding gift. is it worth cleaning professionally? happyelder343@gmail.com

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  13. A photograph would help but it sounds as if you have one of the carriage clocks (called Officer's clock in France) made before 1928 for export. It is certainly worth having cleaned as these clocks are very collectable and beautiful in their own right. If you ever decide to sell it, a professionally cleaned, fully-working carriage clock will fetch a far better price. Best regards

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  14. Hi!
    We have recently beeb given a clock which features the lion passant on the rear and some crudely etched Roman numerals. The piece seems too rough to be from D&B. I've emailed you some pictures - what do you think?

    Thanks,
    Gavin Richard

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  15. Sushi, I just sent a comment on an earlier blog. I appreciate the information on the Bayard. It appears it is one of their easel clocks that I just purchased. I would like to send a picture, or pictures at your option, to see if you agree. I have a soft spot for French Art Deco. I will restore it if it is possible. Thanks again.

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  16. Please send photos to Sushi134713@gmail.com and I will research and reply as soon as I can.
    I also have a soft spot for French Art Deco clocks

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  17. Hi
    I have Duverdrey & Bloquel Clock encased in a solid wood art nouveau style casing. The front says WJ Carroll Walbrook Bank. The inner clock case has the Standing Lion Mark and SR FA on wind up mechanism.
    When cleaning the back case I have found some interesting numbers
    and letters on the inside and outside back of the case. Can you tell me what they mean and help me to date the year. It has a two sided key to wind it up and change the fingers on the dial. Many thanks Nett

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    Replies
    1. Hi
      To be able to date a clock, I really need photos of it both front and mechanism.
      as for number and letters Inside and outside a case- they often refer to repairs/cleaning done over time.

      Best regards

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  18. Hi
    Have sent photos last night to your email address thanks Nett

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  19. How can I send you photos of a clock I got from my father who I think bought the clock in Europe?? Circa 1930sh

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  20. You can send them to sushi134713@gmail.com

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  21. Hej! Har ett urverk där det står; 7 SEVEN JEWELS UNADJUSTED DUVERDREY & BLOQUEL FRANCE samt ett nummer 773735 (tror jag, litet otydligt) Vet du hur gammalt detta urverk är??

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  22. Hi I have 2 bayard clocks I want to learn their value can you help me

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  23. Hello, I have a carriage clock with the bayard lion hall mark but has no company name. It was my great grandfather's and I am very interested to know more about it as there are two sets of initials on the mechanism and the numbers 182 and 02 on the inside of the door frame. Would you be able to tell me more about the clock or where we could go to find out.

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  24. Hi,I have acquired a Duverdrey & Bloquel brass carriage clock which is in pretty poor condition(verdigri/tarnish) but runs beautifully.I would like to date it.It has the following information on the clock:-
    On the face-White face with "Bayard","8 DAY","Made in France",Roman numerals.
    On the Back of the Movement-"9 NINE JEWELS UNAJUSTED Duverey & Bloquel France"
    On the Inside of Back Opening-"Duverey & Bloquel,France" In tiny hand engraving-"F845V 13/10/9"(last service?)
    The clock is a pretty standard example I think(several EBay listings) but I would appreciate any advice
    Many thanks
    John on the Wirral

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    Replies
    1. some time ago, however, did you get any advice or response - valuation etc on the carriage clock.

      Delete
  25. Hi,
    I was recently in France and purchased a Duverdrey and Bloquel clock that also has Baynard on it. Would you mind sending me an e-mail so I can send you the pictures? And any idea how i'd go about getting it fixed into working order? Many thanks.

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  26. also a longing for the other such items that alredy have been sold at Christie's & Bonhams. Leather Travel Clock

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  27. Hello is this blog still active?
    We have an older mantle clock with only the Lion Passant inside.
    On the back metal cover of the clock though it looks like there is a handwritten “gst”... or maybe ””ist” etched. Just trying to pin point a date :)

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  29. Hello

    I wondered if you would help with a clock we have? On the front it says Bayard; the base 'fabrique en France', interior 7 severn jewel unadjusted Duverdrey and Bloquel France 82.

    It is a little carriage clock , and wondered what it was a copy of and if it was as early as the 1940's or later?
    Best
    jayne

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  30. Hi Sushi
    I have an 8 day carriage clock marked Bayard Paris on the face with fancy garlands at each corner. The back of the movement has seven struck through and 9 put in its place.
    The serial number is 787357, is this an 80s mignonette clock that you refer to above

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  31. Hi just wondering if you are still active Sushi?? Please come back and let us know if you are...

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  32. Hello, I wasn't sure where to post this but I've got a bayard tapageur alarm clock and I'd be interested to know more about it. I'm also specifically interested in knowing if it was painted with radium paint. I don't see any signs of that, except the browning, which I've read can be due to radium. Thank you for any help you can offer.
    I can do some better photos if that's helpful.
    https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3e/3f/18/3e3f18d4242e0438aa2383c4038975d4.jpg

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  33. I have a 12/14/62 Duverdrey & Bloquel wall clock. I was wondering if they have model numbers somewhere on them. My looks like a flower with petals in a goldtone color. Any ideas?

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  34. Hi

    I have inherited a clock that sound a lot like the one on the August 2015 post. Can I send you pics to get help identifying it. Thanks in advance

    Mike

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  36. Hi, I have an Albert Villon alarm clock like the one pictured at the beginning of the blog (dated 1870?). On the case are the initials A.V. and the passing lion and the numbers 113 are stamped on both sides of the case. The movement has a mark on the bottom center of both plates that looks like an "E" letter. Does it have any meaning? Can you help date the clock?

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  37. Hi, I have an Albert Villon small domed Alarm clock and was wondering if anyone could tell me about it,I could send photos' my email is nanprops@gmail.com

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  38. Hi l got a buverdrey and bloouel French alarm clock and comes with original box and is in excellent condition and in excellent working order it is with the lion king emblem on it.

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  39. Hello, I was given a D&B carriage clock with a snarled hairspring and a pallet fork with one tine missing. Do you know of a parts source? I have already sent you an email with included pictures. the corner posts all have the number 179 stamped into the inner side. Thanks for any help or advice. les

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