An extremely rare first Empire animated ormolu carousel clock by Vaillant à Paris. The exceptional elongated octagonal burnished ormolu case has numerous well-cast mounts that include dancing cherubs each blowing multiple horns, anthemion moldings, horse busts and opposing Griffiths set within acanthus inspired scrolls. Suspended from the fluted center column are three putti riding swans. They represent Hermes, Cupid and a Jester and above on the cross pieces are their relevant symbols - a caduceus, a flaming torch and a marotte. As the carrousel spins they are seemingly trying to spear the small ring attached to one of the decorative columns. The other column has a wreath and banner that reads 'Prix du Vainqueur'. The whole sits upon a purpose made mahogany base.

The eight-day time and strike movement has a silk thread suspension that is adjusted for fast/slow out the dial and strikes on a bell.

The finely lettered white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals, Arabic fifteen minute marks, cast ormolu hands and is signed by the maker, 'Vaillant à Paris'.

The large animation movement is wound through the back, is activated by lever each hour by the clock movement and can be manually started by a small lever along the base. The carousel spins sixteen times per activation and rotates on finely executed ball bearings located in the upper shaft. One winding provides enough power for approximately twelve full cycles.

Animated carousel clocks are exceptionally rare as they were extremely difficult to make and were only supplied by the best makers. Although animation became much more popular after the Charles X period, animation on earlier Empire pieces was reserved for truly special pieces.

Ref: For a similar clock see: 'La Pendule Francais', Kjellberg, pg.447.

As listed in Tardy's:

"Vaillant à Paris. Rue de la Tixeranderie, 1800. Rue de la Verrerie, 1812-1817. Pendulier. Sur une Pendule decimale et duodecimale: Vallaint à Paris."

Height - 19.75in.

SOLD

A nice early nineteenth century English bracket clock. The broken arch mahogany case has inlaid borders and floral panels, a shaped base, two columns with stop fluting and Doric capitals, bracket feet below and two pinecone finials and a handle above.

The nicely lettered slightly convex white porcelain dial has bold black Roman numerals for the hours and wonderfully cut steel hands.

The time-only eight-day fusee movement has a pendulum with a large lenticular bob, shaped shoulders, an anchor escapement and is bracketed into the case.

Height - 10.25in.

SOLD

A very rare late-Edo period Japanese striking Yagura-Dokei with the original shitan case. The wall-hung wooden display case has a lift off hood with three glazed doors, solid silver hinges and latches and finely pierced and engraved ormolu fabric backed frets.

The wonderfully engraved front plate has a moveable dial with a turned outside rim and sunken center, adjustable silvered engraved markers for the temporal 'hours' and Shokudo markers for the 'half-hour' marks. Below are the two apertures for the sexagenarian calendar and along the outside rim is the adjustable lifting pin that activates the spring-driven alarm by a shaped steel arm.

The superb multi-day weight-driven movement has beautifully turned posts and wheelwork, the original weights suspended by wooden pulleys on an endless cord and a crownwheel escapement with an adjustable pendulum suspended by silk-thread. It strikes at the hours, 9-4, and at the half-hours, 2 or 1, by a torsioned steel hammer on a bell mounted above.

This clock is extremely unusual because of the silk-thread suspension. Traditionally lantern clocks either had folliot, balance wheel or pendulum regulators with the pendulums mounted directly to the pallet arbors. It is the only example we have seen that deviates from the norm and uses a silk thread as a suspension - much like early French clocks.

Height - 6.5 in (clock), 9 in. (case)

SOLD

A very rare late-nineteenth century gilt and silvered bronze and pietra dura paneled three-piece set by Bosi in Firenze. The silvered, framed case has gilt-bronze mounts, is set with seven floral pietra dura plaques and is surmounted by two outstretched putti supporting the clock. The matching gilt and silvered sidepieces depict Italian noblemen supported by bases inset with circular plaques.

The white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks, elaborate gilt bronze hands and is signed by the maker, 'Bosi, Firenze'.

The eight day time and strike movement has a Brocot suspension with the fast slow out the front, is stamped '537', has countwheel striking on a bell and still retains the original pendulum with a matching mosaic insert to the front.

Ref: Bosi was one of the retailers located in Florence that distributed the Italian micro-mosaics throughout the world.

Height – 13.5in.

SOLD

A very nice ormolu Empire urn clock by Blanc & Fils, Paris. The urn shaped ormolu case has several well cast mounts that include flanking swans above, a tied garland and a square base with anthemion moldings and four bun feet.

The well-lettered white porcelain dial has Arabic numbers for the hours, steel-cut Breguet-style hands, an engine turned bezel and is signed by the maker, 'Blanc Fils, Palais Royal'.

The eight-day time and strike movement retains the original silk-thread suspension, is adjusted for fast/slow out the back and strikes on a bell.

Ref: Tardy's listing for Blanc Fils: 'Paris. Palais du Tributant, 1806. Palais Royal, Galerie di Pierre, 1810-20.'

Height - 15.75in.

SOLD

A very nice late-nineteenth century French gorge cased carriage clock with grand-sonnerie striking, simple calendar and alarm by Drocourt. The gilt-bronze case has pinched corners, molded edges, a shaped, hinged handle, beveled glasses and is stamped with the serial number, '6675', on the underside in two places.

The circular well-lettered white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks, and Breguet-style hands. Below are the three subsidiary dials for the days of the week, in French, the alarm and a 31-day calendar each with shaped steel-cut hands. Framing the dials is a superbly engraved gilt-bronze mask with floral decorations against a chased ground.

The eight-day grand-sonnerie movement is wound and set out the back, has all the indications in French, the repeat out the top, the three position strike control lever out the base, a very nice silvered balance platform with a lever escapement and screwed bi-metallic balance wheel and strikes on two nested bells. It is stamped and numbered on the backplate by the maker, 'DC, 6675' and also inside the plates while it also carries the stamp 'HL' on the lower edge of the frontplate.

Ref: For a more detailed description of Drocourt see 'Carriage Clocks' by Charles Allix, pg. 438.
The initials 'HL' stand for Henri Lemaille who produced 'blanc roulants' for some of the best makers in Paris including Drocourt and LeRoy.

Height – 5 3/8 in. (case only)

SOLD

A rare early 19th century ormolu and mother-of-pearl Austrian annular table clock. The well-cast circular engine turned ormolu case stands on an eight-sided mother-of-pearl veneered base. Mounted above to a polished silvered copper disc is a whimsical scene that depicts cupid and a sea serpent towing Venus in her shell while indicating the time on the horizontally mounted dial with black Roman numerals for the hours.

The one-day quarter striking movement has end-stops below, a pull repeat out the side, nicely cut steel-work, Geneva stops, a duplex escapement and strikes on double coil gongs mounted underneath where it also is wound, set and adjusted. It strikes the typical Austrian pattern of striking - a blow for each quarter on one gong and then the last hour on the other.

It is rare to find clocks that successfully combine the artistry of the bronzer and case-maker with the technological abilities of the clockmaker. This is particularly true of Austrian pieces which are rarely unique and generally follow traditional forms.

Height - 4.5in.
Diameter of Dial - 4.75in.

SOLD

A very rare Edo period Japanese temple bell clock suspended within a purpose made lacquered case. The elegantly shaped bronze bell is decorated in high relief with crashing waves along the bottom and dragons amongst swirling clouds to either side. It has double winding holes, a small tear drop shaped opening near the top to activate the balance in case it stops, an internal lip around the inner edge of the opening, houses the movement and has a shaped hanger above. The whole hangs from a lacquered case with a slanted mirror in the base.

The early two-day two train iron framed movement has a fusee for the time train and a going barrel for the strike, mostly three-spoke iron wheels and pinions and is regulated by a balance wheel. The going barrel assembly is typically early Japanese with the cap being secured by post and pin. It strikes the Japanese system of timekeeping by a torsioned hammer against the inside of the bell and is regulated by a large two spoke brass balance wheel that is suspended by a string and has tensioned regulating weights. The clocks power is transferred down to the dial through a series of brass wheels that allow the vertically oriented movement to drive a horizontal dial. There is a signature along one of the upright posts, but part has been rubbed away and what is left is difficult to translate.

The dial has a silver pointer that indicates the time and a strike advance knob used to put the clock back in synchronization mounted to the patinated copper surround. In the center is the molded ormolu disc that carries the adjustable silvered engraved sliding temporal 'hours' and the Shokudo 'half-hours' markers.

Bell clocks in general are very rare. The theory is that they were hung in monasteries and other religious sites to indicate the time and when to pray. They were probably hung either high up or over small pools of water so the time could be seen and adjusted as needed.

Ref:
Moody's, Plate 113, shows a bell clock with a similar movement.
   Time Museum, Inventory number 1869.
   Sothebys, 'Masterpieces of the Time Museum', lot 126.

Height Overall - 23.5in.
Height of Bell - 11.25in.

SOLD

A rare early twentieth century pink quartz, agate, sapphire, mother-of-pearl and enameled desk clock by the extraordinary maker Cartier, no. 1811. The pink quartz surround has 'Japanese corners', four buff-top sapphire cabochons in gold settings, a polished agate handle set in enameled gold mounts as well as an enameled gold bezel stamped both '3308' and '1811'.

The circular mother-of-pearl dial has blue Arabic numbers for the hours, a blue minute ring, is signed 'Cartier' and has blue enameled gold hands each stamped '3308' on the reverse side.

The time only eight-day movement is accessed by the screwed bezel, is signed and numbered, 'Nocturne, no. 2698', has a cut bimetallic balance and is wound and set out the back through apertures with gold escutcheons.

This piece still retains its original stamped and numbered, 'Cartier No.1811', red Moroccan leather case and key.

Ref: For similar examples see: 'The Cartier Collection, Timepieces' by Chaille and Cologni, pgs. 306-307.

Height - 3.25in. (handle-up)

SOLD

A very rare late Victorian Swiss silver carriage clock with painted ivory panels. The solid silver hallmarked Anglaise case has four columns with stylized Corinthian capitals to the corners, a molded top and bottom bordered by dental work and a turned folding handle with a fluted center.

To the sides are the well-executed polychrome painted ivory panels that are set behind thin convex glasses. They depict two 18th century female figures as such subjects became popular during the later half of the 19th century.

The finely lettered cream colored porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, decorative gilt-work that includes the minute dots and gilt-bronze filigree style hands.

The eight-day movement is wound, set and adjusted out the bottom. The folding winding stem and the other control knobs are housed in the base and are revealed by a slide-out panel. It repeats the hours, quarters and minutes when activated by the large push button located above.

It is rare to find a solid silver carriage clock of this size and style. Although the smaller Swiss clocks are often silver, the standard size carriage clocks are generally silver-plated as they achieve the same 'look' without the expense.

Includes the original leather case.

Ref: Retailed by E. Marcus and Co., New York.

Height - 3.375in. (handle-down)

SOLD

A very rare Edo period miniature Japanese standing stick clock. The Shitan wood case has finely cut and shaped moldings, a drawer to store the key, a glazed lift-off hood, nicely shaped decorative legs to either side and sits upon a base with pinched corners and four shaped feet.

The extraordinary miniature weight-driven movement has a fretted front plate engraved with decorative designs and chrysanthemums, four turned posts, extremely fine wheelwork and a crown-wheel escapement regulated by a pendulum with an adjustable lenticular bob.

The engraved ormolu nama-gata scale is decorated by scrolling foliage top and bottom, has the temporal hours running down the side, and the bimonthly characters across the top and is fixed to the case by screw. The hand is attached to a bar that is then pinned to studs mounted to the weight. Bi-monthly the hand is moved over one line and in turn accurately indicates the temporal hour.

The size and quality of the piece is extraordinary. The scale, while still performing the appointed task, begins at noon and thus gives the plodded lines a shape unique from the other examples we've seen.

Overall Height - 7 3/16 in.
Overall Width - 3 5/8 in.
Movement Dimensions - 1in. wide, 1 9/16 in. high to top of post.

SOLD

A very good quality Edo period striking stick clock or 'Shaku-Dokei'. The ebony wood case has a removable glazed hood with a lift-out front door, two fabric-backed gilt-brass pierced frets to the sides, a scale at the front and a drawer for the key at the bottom.

Mounted to the backboard is the gilt-brass going movement with finely cut, turned and spoked gear work, turned brass baluster columns at the corners, an elaborately engraved fretted front plate and a verge escapement that is regulated by a small pendulum with a turned, adjustable lenticular bob. A separate key wound striking mechanism acts as the weight and drives the one-day time mechanism.

The engraved gilt-bronze time scale is fastened top and bottom by two large turned screws, has an engraved brass scale set at the edge, has engraved silvered 'hour' characters on shaped plates and brass 'half-hour' markers.

The pierced and engraved hand is carried by the striking mechanism and points to the different characters as it descends through the day. The backs of the 'numerals' extend into the case and trip the striking mechanism at the proper intervals. It follows the Japanese sequence of striking two series of nine to four alternating one and two strikes at the 'half-hours'.

Height – 24.5in.

SOLD

A large early twentieth century Swiss multi-dial glass ball clock. The case is composed of two glass semi-spheres joined by a chromed multi-piece band. At the top sits the crown and pendant while the bottom of the back glass is flattened so the piece sits securely.

The large white porcelain dial has bold Roman numerals for the hours, steel cut hands, four subsidiary chapters for the seconds, day, month and date and an aperture for the moon dial.

The eight-day time-only movement is numbered, ‘138284’ and has a lever escapement with a bi-metallic balance wheel. The subsidiary dials, except the month, are automatically advanced and can be manually adjusted by set pins along the outside edge of the chrome band.

Case Diameter – 4in.

SOLD

A rare, small Edo period Japanese bracket clock with its original display case. The Shitan wood case has finely cut moldings, is glazed on four sides, has engraved frets backed with fabric, two lift-out doors and an ormolu handle set on a decorative cloisonné plaque.

The rotating dial has a turned sunken center, adjustable silvered engraved markers for the temporal 'hours' and Shokudo markers for the '1/2 hour' mark and a steel-cut hand. Instead of the traditional characters that represent the actual numbers, nine through four, the characters of the zodiac symbols associated with each number are used.

The one-day movement has turned pillars, elaborate floral engraved plates, apertures for the sexagenary calendar, an engraved backplate, a brass balance wheel, a fusee on the time side, a going barrel on the strike, a traditional Japanese countwheel and strikes by torsioned hammer on a bell mounted above. The whole sits upon a Shitan wood base with applied moldings and a drawer to keep the key.

Height - 5in. (case only)
4in. (movement only)

SOLD

SOLD

An extremely rare late-nineteenth century gilt-bronze, patinated, silvered, coppered and red-marble animated industrial clock in the form of a printing press. The 'I' shaped frames have matted industrial green centers and gilt-bronze edges. Centered between the plates is a silvered carriage with gilt-bronze spoked wheels and one of two silvered engraved plates that represent the front page of a newspaper entitled 'Le Petite Journal'. The other identical plate is mounted on the structure above. Between the plates are numerous rollers, levers and wheels commonly found on late-nineteenth century printing presses. The large coppered roller is positioned in the center and has two large gears mounted to the end while the smaller rollers are held in place by U-shaped brackets. On the front is a large spoked wheel, the on/off lever and a silvered bracket that illustrates where the pressman would stand. The clock is mounted above on the 'paper stack' while the aneroid barometer and the centigrade thermometer units are bracketed to the sides. The whole sits upon a red variegated marble base with a silvered engraved plaque that reads, 'Machine à Imprimer Rotative'.

The animation movement is mounted inside the marble base, is wound out the back and runs for approximately 75 minutes per winding. It is linked to the carriage and rolls it back and forth along 'L' shaped tracks. As the carriage moves forward it forces the smaller rollers up slightly, rotates the larger roller, raises the paper stay into the air and spins the large silvered wheel at the front. Once it reaches the end of the tracks it returns the other way and the various wheels and rollers reverse simulating an operating printing press.

The eight day time only movement housed above has a balance wheel escapement and is wound, set and adjusted for fast/slow out the dial.

The concave clock dial has a gilt center, an engraved silvered chapter ring and Roman numerals for the hours. The silvered, engraved thermometer scale has a gilt-bronze center, a curved mercury thermometer, is marked 'Centigrado' and is protected by a beveled glass with a manually adjusted indicator hand. The barometer has a silvered barometer scale, is marked 'barometro aneroide' at the bottom, has a gilt-bronze center and is also protected by a beveled glass with an adjustable indicator hand.

This is the only example from the industrial series of a printing press that we have been able to find. Since it was obviously made for the Spanish market it is conceivable that it was custom made for a client associated with printing in Spain.

Ref: Le Petite Journal was a Paris daily newspaper published from 1863-1944. In the 1890's, at the height of its popularity, its circulation was about a million copies.

Height - 14.5in.

SOLD

A very nice Victorian gilt-bronze Louis XVI style cartel clock signed Mangeant à Paris. The well-cast gilt-bronze curvilinear case is adorned with numerous mounts that include scrolling foliage, a figure of Cupid sitting atop swirling clouds, garlands and decorative frets.

The large well-lettered porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, large Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks, is signed, 'Mangeant à Paris' and has two beautifully cast gilt-bronze hands.

The eight-day time and strike movement has an anchor escapement with a steel suspension, is stamped by Mougin and strikes on a bell.

Height - 31in.

SOLD

A very nice late nineteenth century gilt and silvered-bonze nautical desk compendium retailed by Jules Jurgensen. The case is formed by two ship's wheels with finely turned spokes mounted to a capstan with the retailer's engraved silvered label screwed below the time side, the barometer mounted on the back side and the compass above. The whole is mounted to a wheel held in place by two spring loaded clicks mounted to a red variegated red marble base. This allows the top section to rotate and afford access to the unavailable dial.

The very well-made time-only eight-day movement has screwed posts, is wound and set out the backplate and has the original high quality balance platform. The aneroid barometer is removed to afford access to the clock movement.

The well-lettered porcelain time dial has Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks and two Breguet-style steel cut hands. The barometer dial also is porcelain, has stylized weather indications and two steel-cut hands. Centered below are the barometer maker's initials, 'AER'.

Ref: Jules Jurgensen was first established in Denmark in 1740 and continues to produce watches to this day.

Antoine Redier is probably best know for his porcelain globe clocks, but was also involved in the production of Aneroid barometers.

Height - 8.25in.

SOLD

A rare late-Victorian animated gilt, coppered, silvered and patinated bronze torpedo boat clock. It has a long, sleek patinated hull textured to simulate an iron clad surface, two stacks that carry the barometer and thermometer, a gun turret, access panels, gun ports and an anchor and spare torpedo hanging off the front. The torpedo tube is mounted to the bow while the rudder and prop are at the stern. The red marble base supports a gilt-bronze textured surface and the hull rests on two shaped decorative brackets.

The aneroid barometer, set in the venting pipe above, has an engraved silvered dial with the appropriate weather indications in English, a steel-cut indicator hand and a beveled glass with a gilt-bronze manually set hand. The engraved silvered thermometer scale is mounted on the side of the smoke stack, has a mercury tube and has both Fahrenheit and Reaumur scales.

The eight-day time only clock movement is mounted in the side of the hull and has a balance wheel escapement. The painted silvered chapter ring dial has a gilt center, Arabic numbers for the hours and nicely cut steel hands.

Housed in the red marble base is the separate animation movement. The large spring barrel mechanism has a fly-wheel governor and is wound out the back through an aperture with a gilt-bronze screwed escutcheon. When wound it turns the propeller for approximately 8 hours.

Ref:
The introduction of the torpedo in 1868 by Robert Whitehead provided a weapon against the iron clad battle ships that were seemingly invincible. This in turn led to the development of fast and agile boats that could be used to carry them. The first boat was completed in England 1877 and the French soon followed in 1878.
   Sotheby's, 'The Joseph Meraux Sale', Lot14.
   'Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks' by Roberts, pg.256.

Height - 15in.

SOLD

A late-Victorian bisque three-grace annular clock. The white bisque case has three nude maidens joined by a garland surrounding a fluted column with an urn above and a gilt-bronze molded base below. The urn has a gadrooned base, a lift off lid, is draped by an acanthus leaf garland and contains the movement while the plinth below has bas-relief panels on four sides that depict putti amongst swirling clouds.

The eight-day time and strike movement is horizontally mounted, has steel end-caps for the lower pivots, a balance platform with a lever escapement, strikes by countwheel on a bell, is wound and adjusted out the top and is accessed by removing the bisque lid.

The multi-piece hour and minute dials have individual plaques that are affixed by bent tabs to the rim of the spoked wheel and are stamped in several places with the number '28'. The lower ring has black Roman numerals for the hours and the minute ring has black Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks.

Ref:
The three-graces were the daughters of Zeus, represented charm, beauty and joy and presided over banquets and gatherings to entertain the guests of the Gods.

Height - 26in.

SOLD

A large early 19th century French ormolu mantle clock. The elaborate ormolu case depicts Cupid and Venus on a period settee adorned with numerous decorative elements that include swans, acanthus leaf inspired legs and flanking dolphins with spiral tails. Centered above in an elaborately decorated floral drum is the clock and the whole stands on a stepped rectilinear base with winged animal feet.

The nicely lettered white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, is signed 'Paris' and has nicely cut and finished steel Breguet style hands.

The exceptional eight day time and strike movement retains its original silk thread with the fast slow knob off the backplate, is stamped by the movement maker, 'Pons' and strikes on a bell.

French figural clocks were produced in numerous forms ranging from the very formal to the more private. This clock provides the viewer with a glimpse into an intimate scene between mother and child as depicted by the two gods.

Height - 21.5in.

SOLD

An extremely well cast and finished French ormolu Empire mantle clock. To one side stands a young contemplative Athenian soldier while to the other a superbly cast shield and spear lean against a garland-draped column with an armillary sphere above and a toppled vase at the base. Centered above sits a bust of the philosopher Socrates while below is the double base adorned with a great frieze and several well cast mounts. The whole stands on four bold paw feet.

The finely lettered white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, a segmented minutes chapter, steel-cut Breguet style hands, a cast ormolu bezel and is signed, 'a Paris'.

The eight-day time and strike movement retains its original silk thread suspension regulated out the dial, is stamped, '7680, 8-1' on the back plate, has an outside countwheel and strikes on a bell.

The crispness of the castings, the quality and condition of the gold work and the intricate use of burnishing is extraordinary. It is rare to find a clock that maintains this level of skill and craftsmanship throughout the entire piece.

Socrates is best known for his opinions on virtue, knowledge, justice and self-awareness. One might assume the theme of the clock to be related to his trial where he was convicted of corrupting the Athenian youth. The knocked over vase might represent the vase from which he drank the hemlock and thus honorably committed suicide rather than flee.

Height - 23in.

SOLD

A rare Empire antico verde marble, ormolu and patinated annular clock. The case has a well cast ormolu figure, 'Night', covering the time aperture with her flowing drapery thus the common attribution of 'night covering day'. She leans against a tombstone shaped patinated case adorned with numerous mounts the include the eternal flame, a floral garland and cupid's bow and quiver. The whole sits upon a stepped verde antico marble base adorned with ormolu mounts that include a molded edge, two flying female figures holding a banner that reads, 'Queli du Tems', a rectangular base and four winged spherical feet.

The two silvered and engraved chapter rings are viewed through an aperture with a molded edge and a winged arrow that indicates the time. The hour chapter has Roman numerals while the minute chapter has Arabic five-minute marks.

The two train flat bottom eight-day movement is accessed through the rear drop out door, has a silk-thread suspension with the fast slow off the backcock, strikes on a bell, has a differential that redirects the power vertically and rotates the two rings and is wound out the front where the winding arbors are accessed by lifting the front swag.

Ref: For a very similar clock see: 'La Pendule Francais', pg.401.

Height - 18.5in.

SOLD

A large decorative Belgian Louis XVI white marble and ormolu mantle clock by L.J. Laguesse a Liege. The white marble case has four fluted Doric columns each with ormolu stop-fluting and capitals. They stand on a shaped base that has a beaded edge and several inset plaques that include a curved central frieze depicting frolicking cupids amongst scrolling clouds. The top section has elaborate floral swags that terminate in the center behind a mask of Diana, a burnished wraparound balustrade, the clock flanked by scrolling foliage and winged putti and has a framed polychrome enamel plaque of a female aristocrat.

The large eight-day movement has a nicely spoked star shaped countwheel, an inside pinwheel escapement, a pinned crutch and strikes on a bell. The pendulum has a pressed bob that depicts Diana within a decorative fretted field and hangs from a modified steel suspension.

The exceptional polychrome dial has black Arabic numbers for the hours and 15-minute marks, red Arabic numbers for the 31-day calendar, floral swags, a decorative pattern linking the calendar days, engraved ormolu hands, a steel-cut calendar hand and is signed by the maker in blue, 'L.J. Laguesse, A Liege'.

This piece is larger than most, has well-cast and finished mounts, a great dial, a high-quality movement and is in restored condition. It would certainly make a nice addition to any collection.

Ref: Tardy's has the following listing for this maker - 'Laguesse, L.J. Lyon. Sur une pendule en bois noir et bronze du Musée d'Art Wallon.' Most likely he migrated to Liege during the war and returned shortly afterwards since subsequent generations are listed as working in Paris as early as 1810.

Height - 27.75in.

SOLD

An extremely rare French Louis XVI ormolu clock with decimal time by Julien Beliard à Paris. The finely cast and finished two-tone ormolu case is surmounted by a fruit and floral basket, is flanked by goats supported by a pair of putti, has a center freeze with a brazier and stands on a shaped base adorned with garlands and supported by six toupie feet.

The wonderfully enameled and lettered dual time dial has black Arabic numbers for the traditional hours, blue Arabic numbers for the fifteen-minute marks, gold dot minute marks, red Roman numerals for the decimal hours and blue Arabic ten-minute marks for the decimal minutes. Wonderfully cast and engraved ormolu hands indicate the standard time while the decimal time has finely executed steel-cut hands. The dial is signed by both the clockmaker, 'Julien Béliard à Paris', and the dial enameller, 'Coteau'.

The eight-day time and strike movement drives both the standard and decimal indicator hands, still retains its original silk-thread suspension and strikes on a bell.

Decimal time was purposed as an alternative to traditional timekeeping by the Revolutionary government on September 24, 1793 and began official use on September 22, 1794. The month was divided into 30 days, the day was divided into 10 hours, the hour into 100 minutes and the minute into 100 seconds. Decimal timekeepers are extremely rare since the public quickly rejected the new system and it was officially abandoned on April 7, 1795 after only seven months.

Ref: Julien-Antoine Béliard became a master in 1786 and was at the Rue de Hurepoix 1787-1806.

Joseph Coteau was the preeminent enameller of clock dials during the last quarter of the eighteenth century.

Other examples of this case model include one in the Frick collection and another with a white marble base sold through Christies, New York, November 1, 1990, Lot 78. Neither incorporates the decimal method of timekeeping.

Height - 17.5in.

SOLD

A very nice French Empire ormolu and patinated urn clock. The patinated stepped base and shield shaped top with a gadrooned lower section has several nicely cast ormolu mounts that include the finals, circular center and bun feet.

The well-lettered porcelain dial has Arabic numbers for the hours and 15-minute marks, an ormolu engine-turned bezel and cast ormolu hands.

The eight-day time and quarter-striking movement has all the strike-work off the back-plate, still retains its original silk-thread suspension and strikes on two nested bells.

Height - 14in.

SOLD

A large Louis XV French boulle bracket clock on the original stand by Herbault the clockmaker and Foullet the Ebéniste. The contra-boulle case has a removeable top, a waisted center, polychrome floral inlay of tortoise, ivory and horn on both the interior and exterior surfaces and numerous ormolu mounts. They include cupid above set amongst swirling clouds, several well-cast floral mounts, bold feet and a shaped door featuring Cupid in the center. The whole stands on a matching bracket with similar inlay and mounts. Both the clock case and the bracket are stamped by the ebéniste, 'ANT FOULLET JVE'.

The large cast multi-piece dial has white porcelain cartouche hour plaques with black Roman numerals, white porcelain five minute marks with Arabic numbers, a white porcelain inner disc signed by the maker, 'Herbault A Paris' along with two well-finished steel-cut hands.

The large, square time and strike eight-day movement has a large star-wheel shaped countwheel with the striking numbers engraved along the side, the repeat signature of the maker, 'Herbault à Paris, No. 171', a silk-thread suspension and strikes by torsioned hammer on a bell mounted above.

Ref: Louis Francois Herbault is listed as working at Rue de Grenelle St.Honoré 1759-1789.

Antoine Foullet (1710-1775) became a master in 1749 and specialized in the production of elaborate clock cases.

Height of clock - 37.5in.
Height Overall - 52.5in.

SOLD

An impressive Louis XVI French ormolu, gray and white marble temple d'amour clock by the well respected maker Adam L'Eschopié. The cylindrical case has a white marble base, a matching mid-section supported by four gray marble columns and a round white marble lid. The ormolu mounts include stylized Doric capitals, four female caryatids, shaped feet, a detailed balustrade, decorative finials, beading and draped chains.

The exposed eight-day time and strike movement is horizontally mounted, wound and set through the top, supported by three posts on a circular star shaped plate that is signed by the maker, 'L'Eschopié à Paris', has finely executed wheelwork, an extremely delicate gridiron pendulum that is suspended from the original silk-thread suspension, has a tic-tac crownwheel escapement and strikes on a bell.

The two rotating annular dials, minutes and hours, have individual plaques pinned to the circular brass frames. The hour ring has black Roman numerals while the minute has black Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks and red dots for the minutes. The '60' plaque has the makers name, 'LECHOPIE' and the '30' plaque has 'A PARIS'.

Temple d'Amour clocks are thought to be inspired by the popular monuments that were found in most 18th century gardens and are a subset of clocks commonly referred to as either 'Annular' or 'Pendule á Cercles Tournants'. This is the second largest example we�ve had the pleasure to offer for sale.

Ref: Adam L'Echopié is listed as becoming a master in 1758 and working at Rue Neuve des Petits Champs from 1772-1830.

Height - 20in.

SOLD

A large, very rare Louis XVI annular dial clock by the maker Lepaute à Paris. The rectilinear center has a lift-out front door with a Wedgwood plaque of Pan framed by an eight-sided floral molding. To the sides are Cupid's implements amongst scrolling clouds and garlands that support both a patinated figure of Cupid and the blued sphere above. The two-part sphere has ormolu stars, a decorative center band with silver stars, a shaped silvered name plaque engraved 'LePaute à Paris' and an aperture below with a screwed silvered frame. The whole sits upon a white marble base with a molded edge and six ormolu feet.

The two circular multi-piece white porcelain dial rings are housed in the sphere. The hour's dial has black Roman numerals and shows through the upper aperture while the minutes ring has black Arabic numbers and shows through the lower aperture. They both have decorative five spoke centers with the individual plaques pinned through solid rings and are bracketed and geared so the minute wheel advances the hour wheel every sixty minutes.

The large circular eight-day time and strike movement is housed behind the removable front door and is afforded access in back by a latched door. The front side of the movement has the two winding arbors, the fast/slow knob, the time set arbor and is from where the power is transmitted up to the time rings. The back of the movement has the silk-thread suspension, is engraved with the maker's name, 'Lepaute à Paris' and carries the countwheel and bell. The movement is mounted to the oak seatboard by two shaped brackets in the back and a single bracket in the front.

Ref: The clock was either by Jean André Lepaute (1720-1787) who was the clockmaker to Louis XVI, or his brother Jean-Baptiste (1727-1802) who succeeded to his royal appointment. The LePaute dynasty began with the birth of Jean Andre in 1720 and lasted into the 20th century. They were an exceedingly talented family whose works are represented in some of the most respected collections in the world.

Height - 22in.

SOLD

An interesting and relatively rare Victorian English skeleton clock designed in the Chinese style. The frames are in the form of tiered pagodas each with bells hanging from the edges. Flanking the center tier are two cut steel winged dragons with long pointed tails and forked tongues. The whole sits upon a brass inlayed tortoise base with the original dome.

The two-train chain fusee movement has delicate five-spoke wheelwork throughout and elaborately cut decorative steelwork for the strike work. It strikes the hours on a gong and the half hour in passing on a bell by a lancet shaped hammer. The interesting pendulum has an engraved lenticular bob, an engraved rod with regulation marks and is supported from above by the fast/slow-grading nut.

Instead of the normal rack and snail strike work where the snail is clicked over once per hour by a pin, Smith skeletonized the snail and actually geared it directly into the motion work. The constantly shifting snail eliminates the possibility of having a normal repeat mechanism and is probably why one was never fitted.

The silvered and engraved dial is elaborately skeletonized and was fitted with equally decorative and finely pierced steel-cut hands. The Roman numerals are on separate shields that are interlinked by stylized lances and decorative shapes.

For a similar clock without the passing strike see Derek Roberts, 'British Skeleton Clocks', pg. 136.

The whole has been completely restored.

Height w/dome - 24.5in
Height w/out dome - 21.5in.

A very high quality Victorian burled walnut triple fusee bracket clock by the eminent firm of Dent, London. The wonderfully proportioned single paneled broken arch case has burled walnut veneer and is adorned with extremely well-cast gilt bronze mounts that include multi-piece finials, decorative borders, bold bracket feet, frets to the side and a hinged handle above.

The broken arched dial has well-cast spandrels, finely matted centers, a strike/silent to the side and nicely shaped and finished steel-cut hands. The engraved silvered chapter rings include the hours dial with Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the 5-minute marks, decorative marks for the half-hour marks and is signed by the maker, 'Dent, 4 Royal Exchange, Cornhill & 61 Strand, London, 47804'. They also include the fast/slow regulation and the tune change, 'Westminster Chimes' or 'Chime on Eight Bells'.

The massive eight-day three train movement has six turned posts, substantial plates, a dead beat escapement, shaped brackets, is signed by the maker, 'Dent, 4 Royal Exchange, Cornhill & 61 Strand, London, 47804' and strikes the quarters on a nest of eight bells and the hour on a large coiled steel gong mounted to the case. The fast/slow regulation is a good indication of the quality of the movement. It has a screwed tension adjustment for the rear pivot and a heavy brass bar that is pivoted on a thick plate that spans the top of the movement. The massive pendulum has a lenticular brass bound bob, a brass rod, a screwed hold-down and a steel suspension spring that is pinned to the Fast/slow bar above.

Ref:
Listed in the 'Business Premises' section in 'Edward John Dent and His Successors' by Vaudrey Mercer as moving to this address in 1886. According to the 'Records' section the serial number indicates it was sold very late in 1895.

Height - 18in. (handle-down)

SOLD

A very rare English Victorian Tripod Clock by the eminent maker Thomas Cole, no. 886/9. The polished case has a stepped circular base that stands on three hexagonal leveling nuts, three circular pillars and is surmounted by a plumb bob. The top of the base has superb floral engraving against a lined background that includes the makers name in a centered cartouche, 'Thos Cole, London', Cole's pendulum lock, a barometer and a thermometer. If the clock has to be moved a short distance the two knurled nuts at the end of the locking bar are loosened and the entire bar lifts to capture the tip of the pendulum rod. The plumb above is used to set the clock vertical by adjusting the feet with the back end of the original numbered winding key. The base is also stamped underneath, '886'.

The barometer is mounted inside the base, has a glazed semi-circular silvered engraved scale with painted indications, a brass indicator hand that is set by a lever from below and has an engraved gilt-bronze frame. Mounted to it is the thermometer with a matching frame, a silvered scale and a bulbous mercury tube.

The silvered dial has superbly executed floral engraving on a lined ground with several cartouches decorated with sprays of flowers and one with the maker's name, 'Thos. Cole London', a smooth seconds dial with painted Arabic numbers for the five-second marks, a smooth hour's chapter with Roman numerals for the hours, a beveled glass and wonderful cut steel hands. This combination of hands, the tapered minute and the spade hour, is his favorite for Tripod clocks. Just below the dial is an engraved bracket that carries the winding stem thus eliminating it from the dial.

The thirty-day movement has horizontally split plates, screwed posts, a Vulliamy-type dead-beat escapement, a large going barrel below, a brass crutch, a hand control knob and is stamped and numbered by the maker, 'Thos. Cole, London, 886, 9'. The dial and movement rest on two posts just below and are secured at the top by two knurled screws. The heavy compensating pendulum is hung by spring from the bracket at the top of the frame, has a square steel rod, a brass screwed micro adjustment and a lead filled brass bell-shaped bob hollowed at the bottom for the compensation. The bob rests on a three-armed bi-metallic insert with a screw at each end. When the temperature changes the bimetallic insert compensates for any changes in the length of the pendulum thus achieving thermal compensation.

Reference:
The serial number, 886, would indicate a date of about 1851. The series number, 9, would make this the ninth tripod clock from his shop.
This example has an interesting provenance. It is believed to have been given by the engineer Isombard Kingdom Brunel to his associate Sir Daniel Gouch in recognition for his work on the Great Western Railway as related by his granddaughter when she sold it to B. Butterworth in 1967. He then loaned it to Asprey's for the exhibition in 1975 to celebrate 'Thomas Cole and Victorian Clockmaking' by J.B. Hawkins where it is included in the list of numbered clocks. It then was purchased by Vitale & Vitale who later sold it to a private collector in New York in 1993.

Listed as a known numbered clock in 'Thomas Cole and Victorian Clockmaking' by J.B. Hawkins, pg. 38.

On exhibition at Asprey's in 1975 as part of celebration of Hawkin's book.

Used as the example of the exhibition in 'Arts and Antiques', November 15, 1975, Volume 21, No. 5, page 21.

Sold by Vitale & Vitale in 1993.

This is only the second known example in which Garnier used a gong. The other is pictured in Roberts, pg.57.

Includes a round glass shade.

Height - 22in.

SOLD

A very rare late French Victorian glass dial mystery clock. The arched beveled glass with engraved and gilt Arabic numbers and gilt pierced hands sits within the gilt-bronze frame with an applied silvered reeded decorative front. The whole is supported by a gilt-bronze fluted column mounted to a gilt-bronze plate that sits upon a D-shaped mahogany base.
The Time-only eight-day movement is accessed through a lift-out door in the base, still retains its original balance platform and is stamped, as is the door, with ‘AC, 175, France’.
Originally designed by Robert Houdon, the glass dial mystery clocks mystified the public and caused great speculation as to how the hands moved. Through the years he continually changed and evolved his ideas with each new design becoming a new Series. This model, the VI Series, was the last series he produced. This particular example shows similarities to both the V and VI Series so most likely was an early VI series model.
It is in restored condition and functions exactly as designed.
For a more detailed discussion of Mystery clocks and Robert Houdon see: Derek Roberts, Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks, pg.219.
Height: 14in.

An extremely fine and rare French ormolu and porcelain mantle clock with matching garniture by Tiffany & Co., New York. The white porcelain is decorated with garlands, military trophies, decorative gilt-work and reserves of roses within a gilt diagonal grid. The numerous ormolu mounts include curved legs with animal feet below and female terms above, garlands, swags and toupie feet. All three pieces are adorned with pay stone rings, the bezel on the clock and matching horizontal bands on the garniture.

The superbly lettered and decorated white porcelain dial has black Arabic numbers for the hours, red Arabic numbers for the fifteen-minute marks, polychrome garlands draped between the gilt half-hour marks, two finely finished ormolu hands and is signed by the retailer, 'Tiffany & Co, New York'.

The outstanding eight-day time and strike movement has a balance wheel escapement mounted above, screwed posts, strikes on a bell and is signed and numbered by the retailer, 'Tiffany & Co., New York, 313'.

The extraordinary quality makes this example particularly interesting. The decorative porcelain is finely detailed and the bronze mounts are not only well-cast and finished, but are fire-gilt - a process that was all but abandoned during this period and reserved for only the best pieces.

Ref: For Period examples see: Tardy, Volume II, pg. 78 and Kjellberg, pg.216.

Height – 17.5in.

SOLD

A superb mid-nineteenth century engraved gilt-bronze carriage clock by Paul Garnier and retailed by Moulinié Genàve. The Series II one-piece case has rounded corners, a hinged handle, is elaborately decorated with crisp, detailed engraving of scrolling foliage and geometric designs on a lined ground, has an engraved, hinged, and shuttered back door, beveled glasses to the top and sides and is numbered several places, '2537'.

The rectangular porcelain dial has well-lettered blue Roman numerals for the hours, a blue chapter ring, two very nicely shaped Tre-foil hands and is signed by the retailer, 'Moulinié Genève'.

The two-train eight-day movement is stamped on the frontplate, 'HL', is wound, set and adjusted off the backplate either directly or through the back door, has countwheel striking on a gong, is stamped and numbered, 'Moulinié Genève, 2537' and most importantly has Garnier's chaff cutter escapement.

Ref:
Paul Garnier is commonly credited to have begun the carriage clock industry in France. His chaff cutter frictional-rest escapement provided a reliable alternative to some of the more common examples as it eliminated the contrate wheel, reduced lateral wear and was easily produced. He designed and made several series of case styles that are commonly referred to as Series I to IV. Although he adopted the rack form of striking early on, he still produced examples using countwheel striking throughout his career.
The initials HL stand for Henri Lemaille who produced 'blanc roulants' for some of the best makers in Paris including Drocourt and LeRoy.

For additional information on Paul Garnier see:
   'Carriage and Other Traveling Clocks', Roberts, pg. 41.
   'Carriage Clocks', Charles Allix, pg. 54.
   'The Bulletin', NAWCC, Dec. 2007, pg. 669.

Height - 4.625in. (case only)

SOLD

Description coming soon.

SOLD

A late 19th century English circular brass ship's striking clock retailed by Tiffany and Co. The circular brass case has frets to the sides and a cast bezel with a thick beveled glass. The engraved silver dial has a sunken seconds bit and is signed by the retailer, 'Tiffany & Co.'. The high-quality twin fusee movement is ship's striking and is signed by the maker, 'JC Jennens & Son, London'.

Diameter - 9.25in.

SOLD

A very rare late-nineteenth century gilt-bronze gorge cased grand-sonnerie carriage clock with simple calendar, alarm and moon dial. The large molded case has beveled glasses to the sides, a large square beveled glass to view the balance, a hinged handle above and is stamped on the base with the serial number, '2348' and by the retailer, 'E & E Emanuel, 3 The Hard, Portsea'.

The well-lettered white porcelain time dial has blue Roman numerals for the hours, a subsidiary seconds dial with gold Arabic numbers, is signed by the retailer, 'E&E Emanuel, 3 The Hard, Portsea and Paris', has a semicircular aperture that shows the phases of the moon and two well-cut steel hands. Below are the three white porcelain subsidiary dials, date, day and alarm, each with blue and gold lettering and steel cut hands. An elaborately engraved gilt-bronze mask frames all five dials.

The large eight-day grand-sonnerie striking movement is wound and set out the back, has both the three position strike control lever and the moon advance lever out the base, retains the original gilt-bronze balance platform with a bi-metallic balance wheel, is stamped on the backplate by the retailer, 'E&E Emanuel, 3 The Hard, Portsea', and the serial number, '2348' and strikes and repeats on twin coiled gongs.

Ref: For a more detailed description of Drocourt see Carriage Clocks by Charles Alix, pg.438.

Height - 8-5/8 (handle down)

SOLD

A large, rare and unusual month going multi-dial mantle clock signed on the dial Klaftenberger, 157 Regent St. The substantial ormolu tripod frame sits atop a rectangular base with cast foliage moldings. The whole sits upon a felt covered purpose made mahogany base with adjustable feet and a brass-framed dome.

The large circular month-going twin barrel movement is mounted to the ormolu tripod by a shaped bracket to which it is connected by four pinned posts. It has finely cut and spoked wheelwork, a graham type dead-beat escapement-wheel planted on the backplate, a steel adjustable anchor with jeweled pallets, a crutch with a screwed beat adjustment, a large spoked countwheel, is stamped by the maker of the movement, 'Pons, 1827, medaille d'argent' and strikes on a bell. The half-second pendulum, a nine-rod grid-iron with a brass lenticular bob, has both a regulating nut above the bob and an even finer screwed regulation incorporated into the steel suspension. A pin on a circular gear that is driven by the striking barrel activates the two trip linkages. One linkage runs upward and advances the date on a 31-day calendar while the other runs downward and advances the day.

The large silvered dial has Roman numerals for the hours, 15-minute marks, finely pierced and blued steel hands that include the hour, minute and a sweep second and is signed by the retailer, 'Klaftenberger 157 Regent Street'. The upper silver dial has concentric circles with Arabic numbers for the date and a finely cut blued indicator hand. The lower silver dial is planted in the center of the base and has a steel double pointed hand that indicates both the day, in English, and its zodiac sign.

This clock is pictured and described in Derek Roberts' 'Continental and American Skeleton Clocks', pg. 55. It is clear, however, that he relied on someone else to view the piece for him because there are several inaccuracies in the description. The pendulum is not suspended via knife-edge, but has a steel suspension. The back of the dial is not 'stamped' by Raingo, but there is an indecipherable inscription that upon quick examination could be mistaken for Raingo. And, most importantly, it is clearly inscribed on the back of the dial Aubert & Klaftenberger, 157 Regent Street.

Brittens' lists Aubert and Klaftenberger in partnership from 1835-42.

Pons' was awarded the first Medaille d'Argent in 1827 and the next in 1839.

One could only conclude that the clock was of French manufacture, made between the two Pons dates and then retailed by Aubert and Klaftenberger. It is important to note that the dials were restored at one time when Aubert's name might have been lost.

Height - 27 in. (clock only)

An extremely rare Edo period self-adjusting Japanese lantern clock in a glazed Ebony case. The wall-hung ebony case has a lift-off hood, glazed sides and fabric-backed frets.

The time, strike and alarm movement has finely turned solid brass wheelwork with steel shafts and pinions, equally well-turned brass shafts, an engraved, removable frontplate, a removable backplate, a foliot escapement, an alarm, a self-adjusting dial and strikes the hours, 9-4, and the half-hours, 2 or 1, by torsion on a bell mounted above. The foliot is suspended by thread from the finely turned post and has brass weights suspended from two very finely threaded rods that are adjusted horizontally for the fast/slow by the two nuts at the ends.

The engraved front plate depicts a dragon amongst scrolling clouds. In the center is the rotating dial with a turned outside rim and sunken center, adjustable silvered engraved markers for the temporal 'hours', Shokudo markers for the 'half-hour' marks and an elaborate steel cut pointer that indicates the time. Below are the two apertures for the sexagenarian calendar and in half the 'hour' marks are holes for the adjustable lifting pin that activates the weight-driven alarm by a shaped brass arm.

Most importantly is the self-adjusting feature of the rotating dial. Each of the plaques is pinned to an arm and all the arms are controlled by a group of gears located in the center of the dial. As the clock runs and the dial turns the arms and in turn the 'numbers' are either forced together or apart depending on the time of year and in accordance with the early Japanese system of timekeeping. Once set, the dial will continue to show the temporal time for the rest of the year. Since the dial is self-adjusting there is no need for double foliots or reason to manually adjust the characters.

This is only the second clock we have seen that has this feature and we would be very grateful if anyone with additional knowledge would contact us.

Height - 8.25in. (clock)

Height - 13.325in. (case)

SOLD

A very rare early 20th century Lapis, silver, quartz, enamel and ivory annular clock by Gubelin, Lucerne. The circular polychrome enameled center depicts a picnic scene with the subjects engaged in the various pursuits of courting and is signed by the enameler, "E.O.Bischoff - d'après N. Lancret". Above and below has alternating sections of chamfered quartz and lapis bordered by bands of blue enamel or silver beading. The framework including the stylized feet is silver. The case is stamped, "58,803, 0.935, Gubelin, Lucerne, Swiss" and the original Moroccan leather case is also included.

The white enamel dial is mounted horizontally above. It has blue Roman numerals for the hours and blue Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks. Mounted to a silver disc in the center is the carved polychrome figure that revolves to point to the minutes with his staff while a separate gold marker indicates the hours.

The eight-day movement is signed by Gubelin, is horizontally mounted and is wound and set out the bottom of the clock. Instead of including a normal clock key the makers affixed the winding key and handset knob right to the arbors.

Ref: E.O. Bishoff is listed as the wife of an enameler of Patek Phillipe.

N. Lancret (1660-1743) was part of the French school and specialized in depicting the leisure activities of French society.

Height - 8.25in.

SOLD

A very nice French Victorian onyx, silvered and gilt-bronze mantle clock. In the center, supporting the clock, are three well-cast and finished silvered-bronze cherubs, each with upstretched arms. Above they support an onyx star studded ball that is divided by a segmented band with the zodiac figures. At their feet are a dove, owl and rooster and the whole stands on a stepped circular base of bronze and onyx.

The engraved dial has the segmented minute's chapter, Roman numerals for the hours, the fast slow out the front and two gilt-bronze decorative hands.

The time and strike eight-day movement has a balance wheel escapement and strikes on a bell.

Height - 18in.

SOLD

A very high quality turn-of-the-century miniature carriage clock with ivory panels. The well proportioned and detailed case has a cast handle, fluted columns with Corinthian capitals to the corners, well cast acanthus leaf moldings bounded by dentil work and engraved masks bordering the painted ivory panels and the porcelain dial. It is stamped with both the letter 'M' and the serial number '1197'.

The extremely well-executed painted ivory panels are framed by heavily chased and engraved masks and protected by oval convex glasses. Usually the portraits on similar clocks are classically inspired and those of Marie Antoinette and Madame Elisabeth. The portraits here, however, are more in keeping with late 19th century artistic sensibilities and have a more contemporary aesthetic.

The finely lettered white porcelain dial has blue Roman numerals for the hours, red Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks, steel-cut hands and is framed by an engraved mask and protected by a beveled glass.

The eight-day time-only movement has a silvered lever platform viewed through a heavy beveled glass, is stamped with the serial number '1197' and is wound and set out the back.

Ref: For a similar clock see our sold section, pg. 11.

Height - 3.375in. (handle-down)

SOLD

A good French Victorian gilt-bronze carriage clock with moondial and full calendar. The shaped case has intricately layered moldings top and bottom, cast fluted columns to the corners, a hinged turned and cast handle and beveled glasses to the sides and to view the balance above.

The elaborate dial has an engraved gilt and silvered-bronze dial plate, silvered engraved chapters, blued steel-cut hands and a large silvered engraved and blue enameled moon disc. Centered above is the hour dial with Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks and below are the three subsidiary dials for month, day and date.

The eight-day time and strike movement is wound and adjusted off the back plate, strikes the last hour when the repeat button is depressed, has all the indications in French, has knobs on the manual adjustments, is numbered, '282' and retains the original balance platform.

Height - 6.75in (handle-down)

SOLD

A very nice early twentieth century pink quartz, silver and gilt-bronze miniature desk clock by Cartier. The pink quartz case has a base with a molded edge and two squared quartz and gilt-silver columns set to the sides. Suspended between the columns via spring loaded pivots is the gilt-bronze clock case that can swivel vertically and be removed by releasing one of the pins from the column. It has a pink quartz cabochon on the crown and a beveled glass over the dial.

The silvered dial has raised Arabic numbers for the hours, is signed 'Cartier', is marked '8 Days' and has nicely finished gilt-bronze Breguet-style hands.

The eight-day watch movement is signed by the maker 'Ulyses Nardin', has a lever escapement and is wound and set out the top.

This wonderful piece includes the original Cartier traveling case.

Height - 2.75in.

Width - 4in.

SOLD

A very nice early twentieth century chalcedony, silver and enameled easel timepiece by Cartier. The shaped and molded chalcedony case has a square silver bezel with black, white and red decorative enameling. The shaped hinged silver easel stand has '729' hand stamped on the inner surface and 'Cartier' hand engraved on the back surface amongst several silver punch marks.

The silvered engine-turned dial has painted black Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the alarm chapter, diamond set hands and a steel-cut alarm hand.

The eight-day time and alarm movement is signed 'E. Baco', has a lever escapement and is set out the back by two beaded knobs. The time spring is wound by rotating the hinged wreath shaped knob clockwise while the alarm mechanism is wound by the same knob simply by reversing the direction and winding it counter-clockwise.

Size - 4in. square.

SOLD

A rare early twentieth century silver and enamel animated bird box. The engraved Bombay shaped cast silver case is decorated with scrolling foliage, fretwork, framed polychrome enamel panels and is stamped 'Sterling' on the base. The detailed enamel panels depict floral still-lifes and landscapes to the sides and top while the lid depicts three frolicking cherubs.

When activated the bird pops up, rotates side-to-side, flaps his wings, tail and ivory beak and sings. When finished it disappears below the detailed fretwork panel as the lid slams closed.

SOLD

A very large early twentieth century Swiss glass ball clock. The case is composed of two glass semi-spheres joined by a gilt and chromed bronze multi-piece band. At the top is the crown and pendant while at the bottom of the back glass it is flattened so the piece sits securely.

The large matted gilt-bronze dial has Arabic numbers for the hours, a minutes chapter ring, two steel cut hands and has '8 Days, Repeater, Swiss' centered below.

The eight-day movement has a lever platform and repeats the quarters and last hour on gongs.

Diameter - 6in.

SOLD

SOLD

A very rare late-Victorian patinated bronze and black marble mantle clock retailed by Charpentier. The bronze is by Carrier-Belleuse and depicts a young Michelangelo seated upon a fluted column. His right arm rests upon his crossed legs while he holds his sculpting tools in his left. His loose-fitting clothes fall around him while he stairs off into the distance as if contemplating his next bit of work. The column sits upon a shaped thick black marble base with bronze appliqués and is signed by the artist, 'A Carrier', under the applied foliage.

The black marble dial has gilt-bronze Roman numerals for the hours, indecipherable writing in the lower center, the fast/slow arbor above the twelve and gilt-bronze spade hands.

The eight-day time and strike movement has a Brocot escapement, is stamped by the retailer 'Charpentier Bronzes, Ft de Bronzes, A Paris' and strikes on a gong that is mounted to a soundboard in the bottom of the case.

Carrier-Belleuse was both a sculptor and designer and worked in several mediums including bronze, metal and porcelain. He preferred to portray his subjects in contemporary dress and reacted to the idealized poses of earlier periods. His subjects included important people from history and he had done several versions of Michelangelo at different ages. He maintained an active studio and apprenticed Auguste Rodin amongst other important sculptors of the next generation.

For a similar clock see: Bronzes, 'Sculptors and Founders, 1800-1930, Volume III', pg.692.

Height - 24 in.

A very nice late Victorian engraved gilt-bronze gorge cased petite-sonnerie carriage clock by LeRoy & Fils. The case has extremely crisp and detailed floral engraving, beveled glasses to five sides, five holes in the base to emphasize the strike and a back door with a separate screwed bottom piece.

The superbly lettered white porcelain dials have Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the alarm dial, Breguet style steel cut hands and are signed by the maker, 'LeRoy and Fils, Palais Royal 13-15, Paris'.

The eight-day time and strike movement strikes the quarters at each quarter and strikes the quarters and hours when either the repeat button is activated or at the hour. It has a strike/silent lever out the base, retains the original gilt balance platform with a lever escapement and screwed bi-metallic balance wheel, is wound and set out the back and is signed and numbered along the edge of the backplate, '5140 LeRoy & Fils, Palais Royal 13-15 Paris'.

This example is particularly nice because of the three-quarter size and the overall quality. The shape of the handle is typical of Jacot so the case was most likely purchased from the same supplier.

Ref: For a complete listing of LeRoy and Fils see 'Carriage Clocks' by Charles Allix, pg. 444.

Height - 4.875in.(handle-down)

SOLD

A wonderfully proportioned late nineteenth century French engraved porcelain paneled carriage clock by Drocourt and retailed by Henry Capt. The gilt-bronze cannelee case has well executed and detailed floral engraving on a matted ground, a beveled oval glass above to view the balance platform, a hinged handle and porcelain panels to the sides and front. The well-drawn polychrome porcelain panels depict classically inspired maidens set within dark blue borders adorned with gilt floral decoration.

The front panel has a seated goddess and cupid amongst the clouds, the alarm dial with Arabic numbers, well-lettered black Roman numerals for the hours set within a black minute chapter and steel-cut spade hands.

The eight-day time, strike, alarm and hour repeat movement retains its original balance platform with a bi-metallic screwed balance wheel, is wound and set out the back, stamped with the maker's mark, numbered around the lower left movement post, '23594', signed by the retailer, 'Henry Capt, Genève' and strikes on a gong.

It has become increasingly difficult to find fine examples of decorative carriage clocks. We are lucky to have been able to assemble a collection that includes examples ranging from the purely decorative to the more technical. This example is particularly remarkable because of its proportions and the high-quality workmanship and artistry employed throughout.

Ref: For a more detailed discussion on Drocourt see 'Carriage Clocks' by Charles Allix, pg. 438.

Drocourt's stamp was a 'D' and 'C' flanking a carriage clock set within an oval. For a more detailed discussion on Henry Capt see 'Carriage Clocks' by Charles Allix, pg. 434.

Height - 4.875in. (w/out handle)

SOLD

A large gilt-bronze Victorian cartel clock retailed by the renowned furniture makers Maple and Company. The well-cast lyre shaped frame style case terminates in flanking out-turned eagle heads, is suspended from a bow shaped ribbon and has numerous floral mounts that include acanthus leaves to the sides and a large floral spray below.

The large well-lettered white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, black Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks, elaborately cast and engraved gilt-bronze hands and is signed by the retailers "Maple & Co. Ltd, Paris".

The eight-day time and strike movement rings on a bell and has the fast/slow adjustment for the Brocot escapement out the dial.

Height - 43in.

SOLD

A very rare late-nineteenth century French engraved porcelain carriage clock by Drocourt with the original engraved base. The gilt-bonze gorge case has extremely well executed floral and geometric engraving on both smooth and chased grounds, a beveled oval glass above to view the balance platform, a hinged handle and porcelain panels to the front and sides. The outstanding polychrome panels depict couples in the various pursuits of courting and are framed with blue borders adorned with tooled gilt floral decoration. It stands on the original engraved gilt-bronze base that has identical engraving and four wonderfully cast and finished winged dragons at the corners.

The front porcelain panel depicts a courting scene below with the alarm dial in the center and incorporates the hours dial above with well lettered black Roman numerals for the hours set within a black and gilt minute chapter that has a floral trophy at the center and two well finished steel cut hands that are very reminiscent of English work.

The large and robust eight-day time, strike, alarm and hour repeat movement retains its original balance platform with a bi-metallic screwed balance wheel, Geneva stops on both trains, is wound and set out the back, is stamped with the maker's mark and serial number, "11,856" and strikes on a gong. The dial plate is also engraved by the maker, "Drocourt, carriage clockmaker, 8 Rue Debelleyme 28, Paris" and the frontplate is stamped "HL".

Although we've had several Drocourt carriage clocks with the original stands, this is the only giant engraved porcelain carriage clock we've seen with the original matching base.

Ref: For a more detailed description of Drocourt see Carriage Clocks by Charles Alix, pg.438.

Height - Clock: 8.25in. (handle down)
Base: 7.75in. wide, 6.75in. deep
Overall Height - 12in. (handle up)

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A late 19th century mystery turtle clock with a silvered tray and lacquered case

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A very nice quality late Victorian gilt-bronze and white marble double dial perpetual calendar clock by Jean-Baptise Delettrez. The gilt-bronze framed case has nicely fitted doors front and back, four thick beveled glasses and shaped and a molded white marble top and base. The friction fit swing-out doors lack the usual knobs and instead have slits along the edge for purchase.

The time and calendar movements are mounted vertically between the front posts. The eight-day time and strike clock movement sits above and has shaped plates, a Brocot suspension, is stamped on the backplate by the retailer, 'J.Silvani, 13-14 Kings Road, Brighton' and has 'Delettrez, Rue Charlot, Paris' stamped on the falseplate and '19446' on both the backplate and mounting plate. It has a deadbeat escapement with jeweled adjustable pallets mounted to the dial. The Elicott style pendulum has a porcelain insert and is stamped with the makers initials in an oval on the back, 'JBD'.

The perpetual calendar movement is mounted below the clock movement, is set and adjusted off the back, is advanced by linkage from the clockworks and is stamped on both the backplate and the mounting plate '19447'.

The time dial has several gilt-bronze bezels, a large second's chapter with Arabic numbers for the ten-seconds marks, a thin sweep steel-cut center seconds hand, a sunken porcelain center that carries the escapement and a smaller circular hours dial with Roman numerals for the hours and Breguet style steel-cut hands. Above the time dial is the square-cut arbor for the fast/slow and below is the arbor to adjust the hands.

The calendar dial has a large porcelain chapter ring that shows the months and equation of time and a sunken center that shows day, date and has an aperture for phases of the moon set within a polychrome night sky. There are four steel-cut indicator hands, one with a gilt-bronze sun.

The two dials are framed by an elaborately engraved gilt-bronze mask.

The clock still retains the original numbered key.

Ref: Jean-Baptiste Delettrez (1816-1887) went into business with A. Brocot in 1851 at 62 Rue Charlot in Paris and exhibited together at the 1857 Universal Exhibition. By the exhibition of 1878 he was exhibiting clocks and bronzes alone.

Height - 16.5in.

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A very nice late-victorian gilt-bronze carriage clock signed by both the movement maker, Drocourt, and the retailer, Theodore Starr. The stylized case has exaggerated chamfered corners with fluted columns and Doric capitals, a molded top and bottom, a fluted handle and beveled glasses to five sides with the top viewing glass etched with the initials 'EJW'.

The well-lettered white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the five-minute marks, steel-cut hands, is signed by the retailer, 'Theodore B. Starr, New York' and has three subsidiary dials that show the date, day and alarm.

The eight-day grand-sonnerie striking movement is stamped and numbered by the movement maker, 'Drocourt, 17704', is set and adjusted off the backplate except for the striking adjustment lever that goes out the base, has all the indications engraved in English, retains the original silvered balance platform with a lever escapement and strikes, repeats on tandem gongs.

The bottom of the clock is also stamped twice with the same serial number as the movement.

Height - 6in.

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A superb French Empire patinated and ormolu urn clock. The patinated urn form top and pedestal base are adorned with several well-cast and finished mounts that include flanking winged female terms, a pair of dolphins with intertwined tails supporting a trident, mercury and animal feet.

The well-lettered white porcelain dial has Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numbers for the fifteen-minute marks, an engine turned bezel and engraved ormolu hands.

The time and strike eight-day movement has the fast slow out the front, still retains the original silk-thread suspension and strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell.

Ref: For a near identical clock see 'French Bronze Clocks', pg.61 where the bronzer is identified as Claude Galle.

Height - 16.25in.

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A large Empire ormolu and marble mantle clock by the distinguished collaboration of the bronzer Ravrio and the clockmaker Mesnil. The large ormolu female figure is clad in flowing draperies that she delicately holds up with one hand while leaning against the marble clock case with the other. The rectilinear 'antico verde' marble case has numerous well cast and finished mounts that include a frieze that depicts the education of cupid above and a freeze of flower garlands tied by flowing ribbons to fluted torchieres. The whole sits upon a burnished ormolu base with an acanthus leaf molded edge and four stylized feet to the corners.

The eight-day flat bottom time and strike movement has well-cut and finished wheelwork, retains its original silk-thread suspension and strikes on a bell.

The extremely well-lettered white porcelain dial has black Roman numerals for the hours, black 15-minute marks, is signed by the makers, 'Ravrio bronzier a Paris' and 'Mesnil, Hr.', and has two Breguet style steel-cut hands.

This clock is impressive in both size and quality and is typical of the work produced by some of the best-known and most talented bronzers of the period.

Ravrio, listed 1759-1814, was a famous bronzer of the Empire period and was on the list of bronzers of the emperor.

Mesnil is listed as working as a clockmaker in Paris, Rue Saint-Marc, 1812-1815.

Height - 30 in.

An extremely impressive Empire Ormolu and patinated mantle clock by Bazille Charles Le Roy. The demilune shaped stepped ormolu case has numerous well-cast appliqués and moldings that include two mermen blowing horns, a frieze depicting Cupid's procession, masks of Neptune and two dolphins. Above a female figure depicting Venus is dressed in traditional garb and rests upon a patinated rockwork ground while scooping water from a small puddle with a sea shell. The whole stands on five bold elaborately engine-turned feet.

The white porcelain dial has finely lettered black Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic fifteen minute marks, two finely cut Breguet style steel-cut hands, an ormolu engine-turned bezel and is signed by the maker, 'Le Roy Hr. de Madame, à Paris'.

The eight-day time and strike movement has an anchor escapement, strikes on a bell, retains its original silk thread escapement with regulation out the front and has '464, JB, L712' stamped into the backplate.

Venus was a popular theme during the Empire period and the well-cast dolphins, trumpeting mermen and references to Neptune along with Cupid's procession suggest this to be a tribute to the Goddess.

Ref: Bazille-Charles LeRoy is listed in Tardy's as living 1765-1839. He established the House of LeRoy in 1785 and supplied clocks to the top tier of French Society including Napoleon, Madame Mere and le duc de Bourbon.

Height - 20in.

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A very interesting French empire cartel clock by Bertrand à Paris. The circular patinated case is adorned with several well-cast mounts that include a laurel leaf garland with berries that incorporates a stylized cartouche above, an engine turned hinged and glazed bezel in the center and at the bottom an ivy leaf inspired garland.

The finely lettered polychrome dial has black Arabic numbers for the hours and fifteen minute marks, the makers name and title in blue, 'Charles Bertrand, Hger de L'Academie Des Sciences', 'A Paris' in red and has two finely cast and finished ormolu hands.

The large circular eight-day time and strike movement has a flat bottom, strikes on a bell and still retains its original silk-thread suspension with the fast/slow adjustment out the dial.

Round Empire cartels are far less common than the earlier more typical cartels. This particular maker, Bertrand, produced several of this design some of which included quarter-striking repeat work. Bertrand was also known to have used some of the best artisans in Paris including the enamellers Coteau and Anspach. The quality and execution of the dial certainly would necessitate the skill level of just such an artist.

Ref: Charles Bertrand is listed in Tardy's as follows:

'Joseph-Charles-Paul. Fils de Jacques. Né en 1746 à Nettancourt, prés Chalons. App. à Paris, 1761. Ch. d'o. 1770. Rue Montmartre, 1787-1789. 'Il fut horloger de l'Académie Royal des Sciences à Paris. Il fit des pendules à equation. Il signait: Cle Bertrand Hger de l'Académie Rle. Sciences. Il signe: Charles Bertrand hger de l'Académie. Rle des Sciences ou Chles Bertrand à Paris.'

He was the clockmaker for the Royal Academy of Sciences from 1787-1789.

Height - 9.5in.

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A good quality Edo period Japanese Shitan wood miniature pillar timepiece with original carrying case. The clock case is constructed from nicely grained and colored Shitan wood and retains both the drawer used to hold the original winding key and the original glazed removable hood with lift-out front door.

The one-day, weight-driven brass movement is screwed to the backboard, has a particularly delicately skeletonized front plate that depicts scrolling foliage, has a verge escapement regulated by a shaped brass balance wheel and has finely turned decorative corner and movement posts, wheelwork and arbors.

The wooden scale is secured by two tuned screws, has thirteen adjustable silvered engraved temporal 'hours' and has a separate brass indicator strip that shows subdivisions. The lead weight carries the engraved shaped hand that points to the time as it descends through the day.

The vast majority of pillar clocks are over sixteen inches long. It is exceedingly rare to find such a wonderfully preserved miniature example with the original carrying case.

Height of Clock - 10.625in.

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A very decorative Edo period Japanese double foliot lantern clock on a lacquered mulberry wood stand. The brass time and strike weight-driven movement has hinged doors to the side, finely turned wheels and arbors, two decorative foliots with adjustable weights, and strikes a bell that is suspended from a turned post.

The engraved silvered dial has both the temporal hours along the inside edge and the characters for the signs of the zodiac along the outside edge. It is mounted to an engraved brass front plate that depicts scrolling foliage and has a wonderfully shaped steel cut hand.

The shaped mulberry wood case has carved frets, a stepped base, a particularly decorative midsection, a removable hood with stationary fabric backed frets to the sides and a swing out front door and the whole is adorned with finely applied red and gold lacquer work.

The whole is in pristine condition.

Height - 45in.

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A very rare early 20th century enamel, silver, ivory and marble annular clock by the firm Alfred Hof of Geneva. The detailed circular polychrome enameled case depicts several jesters entertaining well-dressed women on the shores of Lake Geneva and has a beaded silver edge above and an acanthus leaf edge below. The whole stands on four decorative animal feet that are mounted to a variegated green octagonal marble base with a molded edge. The original green leather case is included.

Mounted horizontally above is the polychrome enamel dial that includes shaded blue Roman numerals for the hours and roses for the half-hour marks all on a decorative ground. In the center, mounted to a mirror, is a carved ivory cupid standing in a silver leaf shaped vessel with a silver halberd that indicates the time as the clock runs.

The eight-day time only movement is located underneath and is wound and set through a shutter back.

The silver bottom has numerous stamps that include '58499, 0.935, AF, Geneva and Swiss'. It is also stamped by the retailer, 'Walser, Wald Y Cia, Buenos Aires'.

Ref: This piece is illustrated in Robert's 'Mystery Novelty and Fantasy Clocks', Pg. 86, Fig. 8-7.

Height of Piece - 4.75in.
Diameter of Piece - 6in.
Height of Case - 7in.

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