Large Empire-style pendulum mantel clock, ‘Urania Astronomy’, fire-gilded bronze, 1820
Key facts
- Production time
- 1820
- Country of manufacture
- France
Description
The case is supported by four feet (the front ones in the shape of acanthus leaves); upon this rests the angular plinth, on which the fine arts are depicted, along with two putti placing a laurel wreath on Homer’s bust; above this, on the left-hand side, is the clockwork, crowned by a globe, a set square, books and a butterfly; beside it sits Urania, who is measuring something on the globe with a compass. The bronze case is in good condition for its age; the fire-gilding (original, not re-gilded!!!) is well preserved, though the burnishing is worn and partially stained. The case was completely dismantled, all individual parts carefully cleaned and then reassembled. The movement, featuring a thread suspension and hook escapement, was fully overhauled and readjusted by a master watchmaker (all parts derusted, pivots polished, worn bearings replaced, anchor reground and polished, escapement readjusted, springs checked for cracks and replaced where necessary, expertly oiled with special lubricants), it runs for approximately 14 days and strikes the half-hours and full hours on a bell. It is marked ‘Pons’ on the dial side. The finely guilloché dial is also fire-gilded, and the numerals are hand-painted. Dimensions: Height: 52 cm Width: 35 cm Depth: 14 cm