An impressive, extremely rare fire-gilded bronze mantel clock set by J.W. von GOETHE, c. 1839
Key facts
- Production time
- 1839
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
Movement by Honoré Pons Distributed by Mandelly Fils in Paris Resting on two feet shaped like cornucopias, the clock—divided by a wide acanthus-leaf moulding—rests on angular plinth, which is divided by a broad acanthus leaf moulding; imposing acanthus leaf corners are fitted to the right and left, above which sits a pensive Goethe, leaning against a sheet of paper, alongside an inkwell. The two slender candlesticks rest on a three-lobed base which transitions into a plinth decorated with volutes; above this are two fluted columns, topped by four-lobed candlestick finials, each of which is crowned by a small flame insert. The bronze pieces are in good to very good condition for their age; the fire-gilding is very well preserved, whilst the burnishing shows only slight imperfections in the original protective varnish. Two bobèches (drip catchers) have been added to the candlesticks at a later date. Height of the candlesticks: 72 cm Dimensions of the pendulum clock: Height: 59 cm Width: 45 cm Depth: 19 cm The movement, featuring a thread pendulum, has been completely overhauled by a master clockmaker (all parts derusted, pivots polished, worn bearings replaced, anchor reground and polished, escapement readjusted, springs checked for cracks and replaced where necessary, expertly oiled with special lubricants), it runs for approximately 14 days and strikes the half and full hours on a bell; it is marked several times with ‘Honoré Pons Medaille d’Or 1827’. The very fine enamelled dial with Roman hour numerals is marked ‘Mandelly fils a Paris’; it is slightly chipped on the left-hand winding crown, and has slight hairline cracks (barely visible) at the positions of the I and V–VII. Dimensions: The original pendulum, key and a bell are included in the offer.