Object Description
A beautifully presented 19th century Louis XIV-style tortoiseshell and brass boulle-work bracket clock. Not only is the case of this clock very attractive, but it is rare to find an example like this where the case is in such excellent untouched condition. All of the original brass boulle-work is intact and laying flat to the tortoiseshell, and the ormolu mounts retain their original mercury gilding.
The French eight-day movement has an outside count-wheel, striking the hours and the passing of the half hours on a bell. It is numbered 15010, matching the number on the dial backplate.
The gilt sunburst pendulum is visible through the glazed door, against a wonderful backdrop of fine scroll boulle-work on the back door and chequered tile effect on the base of the case.
The locking front door and side panels are glazed so that the full glory of the clock’s interior can be seen. The case’s pagoda top is mounted with a gilt bronze cherub, over four urn finials, foliate and floral mounts, and with decorative mounts of swags and a pair of doves.
The 5-inch gilt dial is set with cartouche enamel numerals, and has an engraved centre and outer minute track, with five-minute arabic numerals.