French Empire-style portal clock by Gayon Fils, Lyon, c. 1820, in black marble
Key facts
- Production time
- 1820
- Country of manufacture
- France
- Movement
- Pendulum movement with half-hour chime on a bell
Description
French Empire marble portal clock with fire-gilt bronze fittings, circa 1820, marked ‘Gayon fils a Lyon’ The flat base rests on finely chiselled feet set on black marble, upon which stand the two columns supporting the clock case. It is in good condition for its age, i.e. slight chips to the marble, stains, and age-related oxidation of the gilded bronze (which has not been cleaned). The guilloché dial, which is also fire-gilded, is in good condition (slightly worn); it is marked ‘Golay fils a Lyon’. The fine pendulum movement, featuring a hook escapement and half-hour strike (via a lock disc), runs for approximately 8 days; it is signed ‘Japy’ (on the plate facing the dial). Also noteworthy is the very elegant, fire-gilded rust-style pendulum with its polished steel parts. All parts are marked with the number 317 and are therefore original and belong together. A matching key is included with the clock. Dimensions of the clock: Height: 40 cm Width: 23.5 cm Depth: 9 cm