Large Parisian ‘Pendule’ clock, ‘Flora and Zephyr’, in gilded and burnished bronze, by Honoré Pons, Paris, c. 1820
Key facts
- Country of manufacture
- France
- Production time
- around 1820
- Height
- 52 cm
- Width
- 36 cm
- Depth
- 14 cm
Description
This clock has been completely refurbished!!! The case is supported by four floral-patterned feet, upon which rests the square plinth made of Sienna marble; atop this stands Flora, who is placing a laurel wreath on Zephyr’s head, whilst the clockwork mechanism is mounted between the two. The bronze case was heavily soiled with resins, nicotine, paint, etc.; it was completely dismantled, all individual parts were carefully cleaned and then reassembled. Unfortunately, the burnishing has been rubbed away in some places or has become slightly raised (presumably due to damp); the gilding (presumably added later) is otherwise quite well preserved, though the front of the plinth is heavily rubbed (see photos), the marble is undamaged apart from the repaired semi-circular arch into which the movement is fitted. The movement, with its thread suspension and hook escapement, has been completely overhauled and readjusted (all parts derusted, pivots polished, worn bearings replaced, anchor ground 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; this is marked with a punch on the dial side. The bronze-cast dial is fire-gilded; the numerals are painted on (rubbed).