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19th Century French Louis XVI Style "Astronomy" Mantel Clock, circa 1845

About the Item

French mantel clock "Astronomy" Paris Bronze, marble Mid 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 38 x 55 x 16 cm Description: A Louis XVI-style figural mantel clock mounted on a two-tiered black marble base, made in the mid-19th century. The theme of the clock, astronomy, is embodied by two studying ladies in antique-style robes. Seated on the steps to the left and right of the clockwork, one measures the celestial globe, the other notes down the studies. The globe is mounted in a celestial meridian, on the holder we see the twelve signs of the zodiac. The beautiful dial is protected behind domed glass. Unlike most other clocks of the time, the bezel is not fitted with a door hinge, but is opened by turning it as a bayonet catch. On a white enamel background, we see a finely drawn minute scale and the 5-minute increments in black Arabic numerals. The inner circle is formed by the blue Roman hour numerals. The dial bears the signature: PERRELET ET FILS - H(orlo)GERS ME(cani)CIENS DU ROI. The movement is a French pendulum movement with an 8-day power reserve, lock disc striking mechanism with half-hour strike on a bell and thread suspension of the pendulum. In addition to the engraving "PERRELET ET FILS PARIS", we also find a stamped medal on the back plate of the movement: "DOUILLON A ST NICOLAS / M'TION HONOR'LE". The Perrelet clockmaking family, originally from Le Locle, Switzerland, had already made a name for itself in Paris in the mid-18th century. The company established in Le Locle sent its sons and potential successors to France for an apprenticeship, where it maintained good relations with the famous Breguet workshop in Paris. Breguet himself originally came from Neuchatel in Switzerland, the same region as the Perrelets. Some important inventions and innovations are attributed to the Perrelets, such as the first automatic movement at the end of the 18th century, which used the energy generated by the wearer's movement to wind the watch. In the early 19th century, the Perrelets worked on astronomical clocks, among other things, and were awarded the medal of the French Academy of Sciences for one of their patents in 1830. Since medals of this type were usually used to stamp clock movements even years after they were awarded, I assume that the above-mentioned stamp is precisely this medal. At the time the clock offered here was made, around 1840-50, they were working at the Cour de Rohan in Paris and signed "Horlogers et Mecaniciens du Roi". The Perrelet company still exists today, producing watches in Switzerland. Condition: Authentic, restored condition with age-appropriate rubbing to the patination of the bronze. The gilding is beautifully preserved. The movement has been dismantled, cleaned and overhauled. It runs absolutely reliably. The signature is itemised in the following clockmaker's directory: Tardy - Dictionnaire Horlogers Francais p. 509
  • Creator:
    Perrelet (Clockmaker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)Width: 21.66 in (55 cm)Depth: 6.3 in (16 cm)
  • Style:
    Louis XVI (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Marble,Gilt,Patinated
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    1840-1849
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1845
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Authentic, restored condition with age-appropriate rubbing to the patination of the bronze. The gilding is beautifully preserved. The movement has been dismantled, cleaned and overhauled. It runs absolutely reliably.
  • Seller Location:
    Greven, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5419243202492

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