Hi Ger

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

“FC” is most commonly associated with F. (Frédéric) Cie, sometimes seen as F. Cie Paris or other French workshops that produced movements in the 19th century. Several Parisian makers used simple initials rather than full names. Many French clockmakers of the mid- to late-1800s supplied movements that case makers or retailers then assembled into complete clocks. That’s why you often find only initials and numbers, not the full maker name. The number 1789 is very likely a movement serial or model number, not the year. (French clock movements with serials often have four-digit numbers in this style.)

From the style of this clock, I can tell it was made in the Victorian era (from approximately the 1840s through the end of the 19th Century, when Queen Victoria was on the throne, though I've seen this case with both English and French works (not, however, American works). It is veneered with burl walnut and is a handsome clock despite the fact that the dial isn't signed by the maker, which most clock collectors want to see.

Other unattributed clocks similar to this that have come to market recently have sold for less than $500; in most cases, between $200 and $400; it's important to note that clock retailers and dealers are likely to be asking (significantly?) higher retail prices.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Victorian burl walnut veneered mantle clock
unattributed maker, probably French, mid-late 19th Century
DESCRIPTION
Height: 8 inches; width: 14 inches; depth: 4-6 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good cosmetic condition; value assumes it will run without much work.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 200-400*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia