Early Bronze and Sienna Marble Eagle Drumhead Clock by Henry and J.J. Lepaute ~ French - Circa 1820 ~ ~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~ A stunning early clock from the famous Lepaute dynasty of clockmakers. A superbly modelled bronze eagle carries the clock upon its back, perched upon a rock. The plinth is of beautifully figured Sienna marble mounted with bronze.

The dial is engine turned and silvered bronze. It is signed for H Lepaute. The bronze bezel is fitted with convex glass and the rear bezel is also glazed to allow the movement to be seen. Both bezels are the original bronze with the earlier bayonet type fitting.

The French movement is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. It is an early, large plated version of the Pendule de Paris movement, originally silk suspension but converted to steel suspension sometime in the second half of the 19th century. Pendulum is original to the steel suspension conversion and is specially shaped to fit the case. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!

Condition of the case is excellent, the bronze has a lovely, original rich patina. The marble is in good condition, a few nibbles to the edges, a very small chip to the front bottom and top right of the right hand side and some very faint hairlines along natural striations in the rock. It has a good original polish. The glass is good, has probably been replaced at some time. 

    
The dial signed for H Lepaute and the movement front plate marked for the Bronzier Jeune Pailly

Complete with original pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.

Click the movie player below to see the this actual clock run -
(large file, may take a moment to start).