Fire-gilded French Empire-style pendulum clock, signed ‘Japy’, circa 1815
Key facts
- Production time
- The Empire around 1815
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
Fire-gilded French Empire portal clock, marked ‘Japy’, circa 1815 The simple Empire case rests on a double plinth (supported by four flattened ball feet, presumably added later); upon this stand the two columns supporting the exquisitely chiselled bezel (housing the movement), upon which the simple top section is mounted. The fine pendulum movement, featuring a hook escapement and half-hour strike (via a striking disc), has been fully overhauled by a master watchmaker and runs for approximately 14 days; it is signed (on the plate, on the dial side) ‘Japy’. Also noteworthy is the very elegant, fire-gilt rust-shaped pendulum with its polished steel parts (one leaf is broken at the corner) and the equally finely chiselled pendulum bob. The exquisite dial consists of a central, guilloché, fire-gilt bronze disc and an enamelled numeral ring (with slight hairline cracks in two places). A protective case for the movement was made around 1900 to safeguard it; although this was incorrectly requested by the cooper, it can be removed without any difficulty. A matching key is included with the item. Dimensions of the clock: Height: 40 cm Width: 24 cm Depth: 9 cm