A FRENCH GILT BRASS AND CHAMPLEVE ENAMEL FOUR-GLASS MANTEL C...

Estimate

£800 - £1,200

A FRENCH GILT BRASS AND CHAMPLEVE ENAMEL FOUR-GLASS MANTEL CLOCKJAPY FRERES, PARIS, CIRCA 1895The circular eight-day two train gong striking movement with Brocot type anchor escapement regulated by polychrome enamel rosette decorated disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the backplate stamped with JAPY FRERES & CIE, G'DE MED. D'HONNEUR roundel over MADE IN FRANCE and numbers 6691, 4 8 to lower margin, the circular dial with conforming enamel polychrome rosette decorated centre within gilt chapter ring incorporating vertically orientated Arabic cartouche numerals, with blued steel stylised trident hands within a polychrome scroll enamelled bezel surround, the rectangular bevel-glazed case with twin handled urn surmount incorporating cream, blue and pink enamelled foliate decorated cap and gadrooned waist to the geometric band decorated stepped upstand flanked by four part-enamelled ball finials to the projecting rounded angles and a pair of large conforming finials for the side columns, over geometric panel centred polychrome enamelled frieze incorporating engine-milled rounded angles and filigree bands to sides, free-standing part enamelled reeded columns to corners flanked larger foliate enamel cylinder shafted columns to sides incorporating engine-milled caps and bases, on skirt base matching the frieze flanked by plinths for the side columns and with disc feet; with original moulded giltwood stand.The clock 37.5cm (14.75ins) high, 22cm (8.75ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep; the clock on stand 42cm (16.5ins) high, 27cm (10.7ins) wide, 18.5cm (7.25ins) deep.The firm of Japy Freres et Cie was founded by Frederick Japy in 1774 who set-up a modest workshop in Montbeliard as a watch and machine tool maker. Japy expanded his business rapidly and by 1804, the year he was awarded the Legion d Honneur by Napoleon (in recognition for his Brevets in horological machinery), he employed 300 people at his manufactory in Beaucourt. From 1806, he took five of his sons into partnership and the firm expanded adding buildings at Badevel and La Feschotte amongst others to become one of the largest makers of clocks in Europe. The business continued into the Twentieth century but during the inter-war period went into decline and is thought to have finally wound-up in around 1940. A detailed history of Japy Freres et Cie is provided in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development chapter VI pages 133-48. Japy personally examined his best clocks and graded them accordingly, the current lot was inspected and set at 'A1' the best possible.

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Movement is in relatively clean full working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements; a precautionary gentle clean/service is advised. Dial has some light rubbing near the winding holes and two small areas of touching-in to the gilt finish adjacent to the 11 and 12 numerals otherwise is in fine original condition. The case is generally in good original condition retaining original gilding albeit muted and with some edge wear evident. The enamel is generally in very good condition with the only notable defect being a small losses to the band bordering the edge of the upstand at the left hand corner. The front door glass has a slight shallow chip to lower right-hand corner and the right hand panel has a small chip/loss to the front lower corner otherwise glasses appear free from visible damage. The giltwood stand has edge wear to the velvet lining of the top surface as well as touching-in with gilt paint around the top edge otherwise faults are limited to rubbing/wear to finish.Clock is complete with pendulum and a winding key.