Directoire portal clock by Philibert, Paris, c. 1795; marble and fire-gilt bronze
Key facts
- Production time
- 1795
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
Directoire-style portal clock by Philibert Pont, St Michel, Paris, c. 1795, in marble and fire-gilt bronze The square plinth of white marble rests on four ‘flattened’ spherical feet; upon this stand the four columns (the column and capital cast as a single piece), which are mounted on four pedestals. In the upper section (featuring palmettes and various other decorative motifs), the clockwork is housed in a semicircular recess; below this is a large clasp adorned with two eagles and various laurel leaves. The upper section is crowned by a cornice topped with a beaded moulding. All the bronze parts are fire-gilded and are in very good condition for their age. The large movement, featuring a string suspension and hook escapement as well as half-hour and hour striking mechanisms, is well preserved; it runs for approximately two weeks and is unmarked. It has been completely overhauled and readjusted. The exquisite dial (painted in gold) is marked ‘Philibert Pont, St. Michel Paris’ and, below the 6, ‘Cotaue’ (the most famous enameller of his time, based in Sèvres, who worked for Ferdinand Berthoud, amongst others). Unfortunately, the enamel around the winding mechanisms is damaged and scratched. The fine Breguet hands may be original. Dimensions: Height: 39 cm Width: 22 cm Depth: 11 cm