Object Description
This fine set comprises a cartel clock and barometer, each of which are crafted entirely in gilt bronze. The clock and barometer cases are identical, and take the form of a lyre. The circular dials are set to the centre, within the body of the instrument. All around the dials are upward curling acanthus leaf forms, which terminate in a cockerel head to each side of the dial. The strings of the lyres are hung with swags and flanked with pedestal vases. The lyres are surmounted with shields surrounded by laurel leaves and bows. Below the dials, the bodies of the lyres are hung with extending plumes of acanthus leaves tied with bows.
The dials of both the clock and barometer are made of white enamel, and feature gilt stars upon their surface. The clock features gilt-bronzehands and black Arabic numerals, as well as the signature ‘Girbelin’ to the upper centre. The barometer also features black texts with a black hand in the center. The casings bear the date and signature ‘Henry Dasson et Cie 1889,’ who was an eminent French ébéniste of the second half of the 19th century.