Presented in this lot is a 19th C. French Provincial Comtoise Morbier Longcase Clock, circa 1840. Comtoise clocks - also referred to as Morbier clocks - were a style of long-case clock originally made in the region of Franche-Comté, and which subsequently became very popular throughout rural France between about 1700 and 1900. The movements of “Comtoise” or “Morbier” clocks were produced in several small towns in the Jura Mountains within the Comte region of France. They were typically made by mountain herders during the winter months, when they were hunkered down passing the time by creating something they could sell. In the spring, they would come down to the markets with wheelbarrows or carts filled with the movements. The long pendulum shafts would often be collapsible to enable easy delivery. The herder’s clocks were referred to as “A Wag on the Wall”, as they consisted only of the movement, pendulum, weights and key. These elements could be hung on the wall as is, though many owners would commission a local cabinetmaker to build a case around it. Clock was purchased from a French Chateau in 1975 at which time the clock was estimated to be 135 years old. Clock face and pendulum have a gilt metal repousse floral surround. Clockmaker, "Barbier', and place of origin, 'Dôle' (in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France) are inscribed on the white enamel dial face. The original red, green, blue and white coloured foilage decoration on the pot-bellied or 'violin' oak case is still prominent and is found on lower panel face. A floral flourish is stenciled on 'violin case' sides and the lower panel face. Pendulum and weights are included as well as a winding key, rear lower panel is missing, glass has been replaced, lower glass has visible crack. Unknown if movement is in working order though it has some movement. Measures 7'6"H x 18.75"W x 10.25"D