A rare Parisian pendulum clock in gilded bronze, depicting ‘Daphne’ by the laurel tree, c. 1810, Empire period
Key facts
- Production time
- around 1810
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
This clock has been completely refurbished!!! The case is supported by four flattened ball feet, upon which rests the square plinth, featuring a relief depicting several figures (unfortunately, it is not possible to make out exactly who they are), above which, to the left, the movement is mounted above a water spout; above that is the inscription ‘Fontaine Confidente De Mes Peines Conserve L’historique Des Mes Douleurs’; to the left of this lies a small lamb; to the right stands a laurel tree alongside Daphne (an ornamental detail in her right hand is missing). The bronze case is in a condition befitting its age; the gilding (electroplated, worn) was renewed in the second half of the 19th century. The case was completely dismantled, all individual parts cleaned and then reassembled. The movement, featuring a thread suspension and hook escapement, was fully overhauled and readjusted by a master watchmaker (all parts derusted, pivots polished, worn bearings replaced, the anchor reground and polished, the escapement readjusted, springs checked for cracks and replaced where necessary, expertly oiled with special lubricants), it runs for around 14 days and strikes the half and full hours on a bell. The silver-plated, guilloché dial is slightly oxidised; the numerals are painted on. Dimensions: Height: 52 cm Width: 37 cm Depth: 16 cm