Early Rare Louis XVI Period Antique French Bronze Ormolu Cartel Wall Clock ~ French - Circa 1770 ~ ~~ Excellent condition, very original fully overhauled ~~
A very large and stunning early clock, dating from around 1770, from the time
of the reign of Louis XVI. Clocks of this age are very rare and this one has
survived 240 years in remarkably original condition including probably the
original key. It is classical in style, beautifully modelled in ormolu (fire
gilded bronze) and decorated with a classical lions trophy.
Below the lions mask the pendulum can be seen swinging within a window. This is
not glazed and there is no evidence it ever has been. The shoulders of the clock
are decorated with rams heads and flower finials and to the top is a large
handled classical urn. This is a large and heavy wall clock and will required a
substantial spike to hang from.
The stunning original dial is enamel on copper and is convex. Typically of clocks of this age the winding holes are made to suit the movement and hence are not level. It has it's original finely fretted gilt brass hands and beautiful hand blown convex glass complete with ripples, wobbles and air bubbles! The French movement is of high quality and of course is beautifully hand made. It is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. It has an anchor escapement and silk suspension. Pendulum is original. 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 original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any
wear or discolouration and there are no losses. The case is a little lopsided
and appears to have been made this way. The dial is also in very good condition just some
slight chipping next to the winding
holes and also some slight scratching. The original glass is very good with the
occasional light scratch. A superb early clock to add to your collection! Complete with original pendulum, bell and probably the original key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.
About us - All of our clocks are original antiques, we source most of our clocks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. We prefer to buy our clocks in original 'dirty' condition. We then clean the cases using a technique we have developed over many years. We employ two qualified clockmakers who overhaul the movements. Movements are thoroughly tested until we are satisfied that they will run trouble free. |
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Click the movie player below to see the this actual clock
run -
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