French Country · Encyclopedia · Antiques by family
Clocks, Instruments and Machines
Comtoise and mantel clocks, carriage clocks, barometers, sextants, scales and vintage machines. Each entry explains what the object is, how to identify and date it, what to check before buying, and what it is usually worth on the US market. 14 entries.
Clocks
Antique Clock
Indicative US retail $80–$5,000 · typical $400
Clocks of all types. Open the back.
Grandfather Clock
Indicative US retail $400–$10,000 · typical $1,500
Tall case clocks, including the French Comtoise. Check that the case and movement belong together: comtoise movements were often sold separately from cases made locally.
Wall Clock
Indicative US retail $50–$2,000 · typical $250
Clocks hung on walls, including regulators. Look at the dial and movement before the case.
Mantel Clock
Indicative US retail $100–$5,000 · typical $500
Clocks for mantels, French bronze and marble. Movements are often stamped by makers (Japy Frères, Vincenti, S.
Cuckoo Clock
Indicative US retail $80–$2,000 · typical $300
Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Look for hand carving quality, an original movement (often stamped by makers such as Hubert Herr or Regula), and intact bellows, which can be releathered.
Carriage Clock
Indicative US retail $150–$3,000 · typical $500
Small portable clocks, French brass and glass. Through the top glass, you can see the platform escapement, which should be clean and running.
Scientific & Measuring Instruments
Sextant
Indicative US retail $200–$3,000 · typical $700
Navigation instruments. Maker marks on the arc, a fitted box with spare filters and telescopes, and a calibration certificate inside the lid add value.
Antique Scale
Indicative US retail $40–$800 · typical $150
Kitchen, postal and shop scales. Maker marks on the beam, the base or a plaque, verification stamps (poinçons) from French weights-and-measures inspectors, and complete sets of weights add value.
Antique Compass
Indicative US retail $30–$1,500 · typical $150
Navigation and surveying compasses. Maker names engraved or printed on the dial, original fitted wooden cases, a needle that swings and settles freely and clear, uncracked glass increase value.
Barometer
Indicative US retail $100–$3,000 · typical $400
Instruments for measuring air pressure. Aneroid barometers have a sealed metal capsule and a needle on a dial; mercury barometers have a glass tube and must be transported upright and carefully.
Machines & Office
Antique Sewing Machine
Indicative US retail $50–$800 · typical $200
Treadle and hand-crank sewing machines. The serial number, stamped on the bed of the machine, dates a Singer precisely through the company's records.
Vintage Typewriter
Indicative US retail $50–$1,000 · typical $200
Mechanical typewriters. The serial number, stamped on the frame under the carriage or the paper table, dates most machines through manufacturer lists.
Vintage Radio
Indicative US retail $40–$1,500 · typical $200
Tube and Bakelite radios. Cabinet material and condition matter most for decor: Bakelite can crack and fade, colored Catalin is rare and valuable, wood veneers lift.
Industrial & Workshop
Vintage Tool Box
Indicative US retail $30–$400 · typical $100
Metal and wood tool boxes. Maker labels inside the lid (Gerstner, Kennedy, Union, Facom), original paint, keys and complete drawers add value; check for rust, broken hinges and missing trays.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.