Unusual Clock case

looking for input on what I believe is a circa 1900 French clock case. It's large at 23" tall & weighs over 15 lbs. Has amazing metal work over solid walnut. Only the bell is brass - the rest is steel. The fleur de lis elements are die cut, dial looks to be cast. Strap work is precisely done and has an incised decoration,. The cone/knobs are all thread tapped. finials are done on a lathe and have hand formed leaf work applied. All of this metalwork is nickle plated. Arbor winding holes seem to be for a French movement and I've seen similar clocks with these design elements and construction... they were French clocks.

 

We'll need pictures of the insides.

 

Please always use the full image button.

 

It appears to be from about 1900. It may be for a Lenzkirch movement, this German firm was a bit more innovative than the French. What if anything remains inside may give a further clue.

There may be a slot under the bell.

 

The inside is completely empty. The brass bell is only for display. There is a hole in the bottom for what looks to have been for a coil gong mount. Winding arbors are 1 3/4 " apart, rather close like French clocks ? Here is an image of another similar clock, identified as French, also a non functioning bell. It's finial is very much the same as is the incising work on the strapping.

 

no guts = no clock

 

The back and interior could be imprtant diagostic features.

 

Maybe it's a crazy tea caddy meant for the British market? A little late, but you never know!

 

We are mad for tea but not that mad. It's a clock case.

 

Since when?