French Boulle clock, circa 1850
Key facts
- Production time
- 2. Period around 1850
- Country of manufacture
- France
- Movement
- with the bell striking every half hour
- Power reserve
- 14 days
Description
The exquisite watch case is adorned with the finest Boulle marquetry (after André Charles Boulle); for example, on the sides, soldiers and exquisite floral motifs are inlaid in tortoiseshell (the total proportion of which accounts for less than 5 per cent of the clock’s total mass) and brass; the marquetry is generally well preserved, though two small inlays are missing from the crown – one on the right and one on the left – as well as a small strip on the right-hand side; in places, it is slightly raised (though this is typical of its age). In addition, numerous brass fittings in the form of flame finials, warriors, volutes, scrolls, etc. are fitted. On the front, a glazed brass door is fitted to protect the movement. The movement is a Parisian full-plate movement with an 8-day power reserve; it strikes the half and full hours on a bell and is in good working order (no manufacturer’s mark). Also noteworthy is the large dial with 12 enamel cartouches, some of which have slight hairline cracks and one of which is chipped (9). All in all, a magnificent clock. Clock dimensions: Height: 64 cm Width: 37 cm Depth: 13 cm