An exceptional Parisian bronze pendulum clock from the Consulat period, circa 1796/1800, signed Robert & Courvoisier
Key facts
- Place of manufacture
- Paris
- Production time
- around 1796
- Delivery
- €20.00
- Robert & Courvoisier
- Claude Galle
Description
Exceptional Parisian bronze pendulum clock from the Consulat period, circa 1796/1800, marked Robert & Courvoisier (Geneva), 3/4 striking mechanism on 2 bells, the case attributed to Claude Galle. Elaborate bronze case on a multi-part pedestal: a marble plinth supported by four flattened spherical feet, above which is a square, fire-gilded bronze plinth supported by four conical feet, and above that, four feet in the shape of goat’s hooves, legs with acanthus leaf motifs; these support the conical clock case, which features two slender, tall vases attached to the sides, and atop this a satyr playing music (cymbals and tambourine) alongside a large wine jug. The case bears a strong resemblance, in its structure as well as in style and design (the slender, tall vases and the satyr’s face, the conical case), to models by the Parisian bronze artist Claude Galle. The case and the original fire-gilding are in good to very good condition for their age; only the upper part of the gilded base plate shows some wear. The very fine Swiss movement with a 3/4 switching strike mechanism (i.e. 1/4, 2/4 and 3/4 are each struck with 1, 2 or 3 double chimes; the full hours are struck on a bell (only this at the full hour); open striking mechanism on the reverse; lever escapement; Running time approximately 1 week. The movement has been cleaned; almost all bearings replaced; pivots polished; both mainsprings renewed; the escapement adjusted and re-calibrated; the anchor ground and polished; and the movement professionally reassembled and lubricated. The enamelled dial with Arabic numerals is signed Robert & Courvoisier; it has been restored previously. Dimensions: Height: 46 cm Width: 19.5 cm Depth: 14 cm The pendulum (replaced), 2 keys, 2 bells and the marble base visible in the photographs are included in the offer.