Object Description
Carrara marble mantel clock with barometer, thermometers, and perpetual calendar
French, 19th Century
Height 46cm, width 36.5cm, depth 16.5cm
This unusual timepiece sets five elements within a marble case: a clock dial, barometer, lunar clock, and two thermometers.
The case is comprised of white Carrara marble, and is designed in the Neoclassical style with a wide canted base and scrolling surmount. The clock dial, which sports traditional black Roman numerals painted onto the enamel, is flanked by a thermometer on each side, one in English and the other in Spanish.
Below and to the left is a lunar calendar, or ‘perpetual calendar’. The central dial indicates the month and season, whilst three decentralised displays indicate the day of the week, date, and lunar phase. To the right of the lunar calendar is a barometer, and both of these dials are engraved with Spanish abbreviations. The lower edge of the barometer is marked with a pair of seals: the maker’s inscription ‘E. Bourdon et Richard Brevetes Paris’ sits within two circles which read ‘Medaille d’Or Exposition 1849’ and ‘Exposition Universelle Londres 1851’. The stamps commemorate the work of the clock’s maker Eugene Bourdon (1808-1884), who received the awards for his invention of the ‘Bourdon tube’, which was used to measure pressure.
All of the time and weather devices are enclosed within a gilt surround, which superbly contrasts with the creamy white marble.
This highly collectable timekeeping piece would make a fantastic gift for a friend or loved one.