Antique cartouche clock: case by Balthazar Lieutaud; movement by Lallemant in Paris; and bronze parts by Philippe Caffieri, with a scissor escapement based on Lepaute’s design, circa 1761
Key facts
- Production time
- 1761
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
Antique clock case by Balthazar Lieutaud, movement by Lallemant in Paris and bronze fittings by Philippe Caffieri with a Lepaute-style scissor escapement, circa 1761 Balthazar Lieutaud (+1780) was one of the most famous Parisian cabinetmakers of his time; he was awarded his master’s certificate in 1749 and was a purveyor to the court of Louis XV. He specialised in the manufacture of clock cases; his famous clients included, amongst others, Ferdinand Berthoud. The bronzes used originate largely from the workshop of Philippe Caffieri (*1714 +1774), who hailed from the distinguished Parisian dynasty of bronze-casters, the Caffieris. The beautiful, richly curved case (veneered in amaranth and walnut) is in the Louis XV (Rococo) style; it is supported by four curved feet in the shape of rocailles, and on the front there is a small viewing window through which the pendulum can be observed. The crown is hallmarked with ‘B. Lieutaud’, along with a circle of eight dots and a single dot in the centre. Set in the centre is the large movement, crowned by a large rocaille clasp. The dial, featuring Arabic hour numerals and Roman minute numerals, is marked ‘Lallemant A Paris’; it is undamaged apart from a small chip on the right-hand winding mechanism. The delicate, hand-sawn, fire-gilded hands are also original. The oversized, round pendulum movement strikes the original bell (marked ‘B.’) on the half-hour and full hour; the scissor escapement based on Jean André Lepaute’s design (1754) with a long scissor is extremely rare. (Running time approximately 14 days; pendulum with thread suspension). Both mainsprings are marked 1761 (the name of the spring-winder is illegible). The heavy, fire-gilded pendulum is also original. The movement has been thoroughly cleaned, the pivots polished and the escapement readjusted. Dimensions: Height: 40 cm All in all, an extremely rare and authentic masterpiece from the Louis XV period.