Fire-gilded bronze pendulum mantel clock with an obelisk and Cupid, circa 1765
Key facts
- Production time
- around 1765
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
The flat, blue marble slab (Marbre Turque) rests on four flattened ball-shaped feet, upon which stands the stepped plinth supporting the obelisk; this is flanked by a globe and a small, pensive-looking Cupid; at the front is a handle-mounted vase, with the clockwork mechanism centred beneath it, whilst a small globe forms the upper finial. The fire-gilding and the brown/black patina are in good condition for their age (with some wear). The case was completely dismantled; all individual parts were carefully cleaned by hand and subsequently reassembled. The original movement was replaced in the 19th century with a later one featuring a cylinder escapement; which has been thoroughly cleaned and re-adjusted (all parts derusted, pivots polished, worn bearings replaced, escapement re-adjusted, springs checked for cracks and replaced where necessary, expertly oiled with special lubricants). The enamel dial is undamaged. Dimensions (excluding base): Height: 32 cm Width: 17.5 cm Depth: 9 cm