Fire-gilded Parisian Empire-style pendule, ‘Allegory of Trade’, c. 1820
Key facts
- Production time
- The Empire around 1820
- Country of manufacture
- France
- Movement
- Half-hour chime on the bell
- Power reserve
- 14 days
- Material
- Bronze, fire-gilded
Description
The tall plinth, featuring a relief on the front, rests on finely chiselled ball feet: Hermes (wearing a winged helmet and holding the kerykeion), alongside a beacon, holds out a purse towards a merchant ship sailing away. On one side stands a woman leaning on an anchor and holding a trade licence in her hand; the rectangular clock case depicts a cannonball striking its target, flanked by a merchant ship crowned with a kerykeion; on the front are several finely crafted appliqués in the form of clouds, stars (referencing the night sky) and swans. The case has been thoroughly cleaned and is in good condition for its age (i.e. slight wear to the fire-gilding, three minor areas of damage to the lower front plinth). The dial, which is also fire-gilded and decorated with floral motifs, shows some slight wear around the numerals. The fine Parisian pendulum movement with a hook escapement and half-hour strike (via a lock disc) has been fully overhauled by a master watchmaker and runs for approximately 8 days. The offer includes a matching thread pendulum and 2 matching keys (for winding and for operating the fine adjustment). Dimensions of the clock: Height: 42 cm Width: 29 cm Depth: 10 cm