A FRENCH DIRECTOIRE PERIOD ORMOLU AND ROSSO FRANCIA MARBLE L...

Estimate

£1,000 - £1,500

A FRENCH DIRECTOIRE PERIOD ORMOLU AND ROSSO FRANCIA MARBLE LYRE-SHAPED SKELETON TIMEPIECEUNSIGNED, PROBABLY PARIS, CIRCA 1795The circular eight-day single train movement with anchor escapement regulated by gilt female mask bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension, the dial with open centre within narrow enamel chapter ring with vertically aligned Arabic hour numerals and red Arabic five minutes to outer track, with fine scroll pierced gilt brass hands, the case formed as a pear-shaped lyre with ribbon cast bow crest and bead moulded edge to the frame, on integral arched support terminating with transverse stretcher plates applied with engine-milled waisted finials, set on a marble plinth with gilt bead moulded edge and brass bun feet; under a later gilt metal framed five glass cover with canted side panels and ogee moulded platform base.The clock 39.5cm (15.5ins) high, 19cm (7.5ins) wide, 11.5cm (4.5ins) deep; the case 43cm (17ins) high, 24cm (9.5ins) wide, 17cm (6.75ins) deep overall.Literature:Illustrated in the May 1965 issue of The Connoisseur, page 7.

More Information

Movement is generally in sound original condition however the escapement pallets arbor front pivot is missing its bush in the frontplate hence is presently loose. The train however will wind and 'run-through' and appears all-original. The enamel chapter ring has hairline cracks. The case is in sound condition although the marble base has been ground/rounded-off to the rear left-hand corner (to remove a chip/loss) and the gilt bead moulding is loose. The cover and base are most likely later with the sides of the cover being in plexiglass with some discolouration to the panel.Timepiece has a pendulum but no winding key.