JEWELLERY, DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS AUCTION Tuesday, 2 November 2021 - 10:00 AM start

A Louis XVI-style mantel clock, the shaped case inlaid with cut brass Boulle work on black lacquered ground and heavily tarnished rococo ormolu mounts, surmounted by a pagoda top crowned by a standing heraldic angel figure. The cast dial with white enamel hour cartouches with blue Roman numerals, gong striking movement, sunburst pendulum above a sloping checkered floor, behind a glazed door mounted with a floral adorned putti. H.640mm.

Lot Details

CONDITION REPORT: An uncommon black ground to the boulle work (more common in red) the brass tarnished and giving a subtle decorative effect, the bronze mounts with dark patina (instead of the gilded finish often found) again enhancing the overall restrained effect. The inlay generally in good condition with only one apparent loose/bent piece needing regluing (outside glazed door frame at 2 o'clock). The pagoda top lifts off as a separate piece, the trumpet of the archangel finial is replaced with ebonized timber copy. Dust has gathered in all crevices. Overall case very good, patina and small marks commensurate with age. Face: cast brass (centre boss: silhouette portrait of king, flanked by cornucopia, dolphins and fleur-de-lis) hours and minutes on enamel panels each pinned to the face, hands cut pierced steel. Medusa head/sunburst pendulum visible in trompe l'oeil interior (tiled floor tilted and perspective suggested). Original old key. Precision Watch Co. 1982 overhaul certificate ($145) & undated Worrall & Sons repair card Double barrel runs but may require overhaul/clean to run continuously, strike action works (on half hour and hour strike).