On 1 January 1851, an inventory was drawn up of all the furniture and other decorative items in the offices of the Banco Español de San Fernando at 15 Calle Atocha. It lists an English table clock made by French [1] in the governor's office.

The mahogany case is shaped like a pedestal standing on four small gilt bronze lion's-paw legs. The case in turn supports a double scroll, with a central barrel housing the face and movement. The face is silvered with black polychrome Roman numerals, blued metal hands and two winding holes. The author's signature and city are shown above and below the hand stem. A gilt key on one side locks the glass door protecting the face. The clock’s movement is English with two trains: an 8-day spring-driven gear train, with a pallet-lever escapement and pendulum; and a chiming train which strikes the hour and half hour.

The back plate is engraved at the bottom: French // Royal Exchange // London.

J. M. French (James Moore French), also known in Spain as Santiago James Moore French, was born in Ireland, but set up business in London. He made clocks, watches and chronometers and was active in the trade between 1808 and 1842. He probably studied under Robert Pennington, given the similarity between many of the technical features of the two clockmakers. French was admitted to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1810 and went on to specialise in the manufacture of marine chronometers. He had a business at 15 Sweeting's Alley, Royal Exchange, London (1808-1838) and later at 18 Cornhill, London (1839-1842). Following his death, the brand expanded throughout Europe and especially Spain. His widow married José Rodríguez de Losada, a Spanish clockmaker, originally from León, who had worked in French's workshop and continued marketing the brand.

Given that the legend 'Royal Exchange' appears on the dial and back plate, this clock must have been made between 1808 and 1838.

[1] Banco de España Historical Archive, Box 1128.

Amelia Aranda Huete