Surmounting the clock is the classic ouroboros carrying handle, modelled as a serpent consuming its own tail. An ancient symbol of eternity and the endless cycle of renewal, the ouroboros is particularly appropriate when employed upon a timepiece, providing an elegant allegory for the eternal and unbroken passage of time. The serpent is finely cast and chased, rising from an elaborate foliate mount which forms the architectural cresting of the case. The circular white porcelain enamel dial is painted with elegant black Arabic numerals and a finely delineated outer minute track. A particularly attractive pair of finely pierced and chased gilt-bronze hands indicate the time. The dial is protected by a convex glass, set within a finely finished gilt-bronze bezel. Of particular note is the exceptional quality of the ormolu case. The sides are mounted with wonderfully bold floral rosettes, deeply modelled amongst scrolling foliage, whilst the lower section is enriched with further finely chased foliate ornament. The quality of the casting and chasing gives tremendous depth and definition to the decoration, contrasting beautifully with the broad polished surfaces of the case. The clock is raised upon four turned gilt-bronze feet. The clock is fitted with a good quality French Pendule de Paris movement, striking the hours and half-hours by means of a rack-striking mechanism. It is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. The movement is regulated by a jewelled lever platform escapement, a later replacement. Click the video below and watch the clock running. The Pendule d’Officier, or "officer's clock", originated in France during the late eighteenth century as a luxurious portable timepiece. Combining the practicality of a travelling clock with the sumptuous materials and workmanship of the finest Parisian decorative arts, the form became an object of considerable prestige and an important precursor to the nineteenth-century carriage clock. During the later nineteenth century French makers returned to the celebrated designs of the Louis XVI and Empire periods, producing clocks of exceptional quality inspired by their eighteenth-century predecessors. This particularly handsome example captures that earlier aesthetic beautifully, combining restrained architectural form with richly chased ormolu, classical symbolism and a sophisticated jewelled platform escapement. The condition of the case is excellent. The gilding is beautifully bright and clean, with only slight wear to the high points of the ornament and to the ouroboros carrying handle, entirely consistent with age and use. The porcelain enamel on copper dial is in excellent condition, retaining a beautifully clean appearance. The rear glass has some slight nibbles to the edge. Complete with a suitable key.
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
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Customer satisfaction is always guaranteed at Dragon Antiques!
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Please email me to order or enquire: Julie@Dragon-Antiques.com
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