18th Century French Louis XV Cartel Clock, Vernis Etienne Simon Martin

Crafted in France in the 1800s, this high quality gilt bronze wall clock has elements in the style of Louis XVI. The white clock face with blue numbers re...

Known as a commode sauteuse, this walnut chest of drawers was hand-carved in France in the 1700s during the reign of Louis XV, making it a period piece. Notice the long, curvy cabrio...

Featuring Rococo elements from the period of Louis XV, this walnut commode was hand-carved in Arles, France, during the 18th century. The chest of drawers is quite unusual in that it...

After the rediscovery of the ancient Roman cities, Herculaneum and Pompeii (1709 and 1738, respectively), Neoclassical themes became popular. During the reign of Louis XVI, these elements were often paired with themes from nature to form highly carved pieces of furniture, such as this antique clock case. hand carved circa 1890 from oak, the shapely clock is referred to as a demoiselle. The original finish has been bleached, allowing the supple curves and intricate carvings to gain prominence. A large white clock face with blue numerals can be seen behind a circular pane of glass surrounded by raised molding adorned with cordate leaf tips. Two carvings (one with a pair of flowers and the other with a fringed linenfold swag) embellish the bonnet, between a molded crown with a subtle arch and recessed galbee sides. The bonnet rests on top of an hourglass shaped trunk that is festooned with two shaped panels with floral décor. A large roundel...

This beautiful sculpture has been carved from solid French oak during the latter half of the 19th century. The style is that of Black Forest, with realistic depictions of branches, leaves, grapes, and more. Originally a French clock, most of the timing mechanisms have long been removed. The elaborate carving depicts a man harvesting wine grapes on rocky terrain dotted with vegetation. Our gatherer, who is clad in an overcoat and large brimmed hat, is carrying a hod (hotte in French) full of freshly picked grapes. A large wooden bucket...

The straight grain and rich color of the cherry tree made it a desirable wood for constructing luxury furniture during the 18th century. One beautiful example is our period Louis XIV commode, which was hand-carved in France in the early 1700’s. Augmenting the lovely reddish-brown color of the commode is an arbalete top that slightly hangs over the three stacked drawers below. Each drawer has three bronze foliate fittings set inside geometric panels with recessed molding (two pierced foliate swag pulls flanking a small keyplate surrounded by a parted leaf). There is a unique, shallow pullout drawer with two concentric circle pulls built into the molded frieze. This drawer was most likely used to store jewelry and other small valuables. Canted corners can be seen along the front of the shaped top, with elongated asymmetrical panels beneath that flank the tiers of drawers...

The clock case decorated overall with very fine ‘Vernis Martin’ lacquer paint with floral sprays and garlands. The waisted case with pierced foliate bronze mounts and surmounted by a foliate finial with a bird. On scroll feet, the bracked conformingly mounted and decorated with a scene with dogs. A fine three week going movement, striking half and full hours on a silvered bronze bell. Festeau Le Jeune became master in 1769. Clock case and bracket are stamped by the ebenist ‘A. Gosselin’ (Antoine Gosselin 1731-1794, Paris, master in 1752), as well as the stamp of the Parisian gilt ‘JME’. In French interior design, Vernis Martin is a type of lustrous lacquer substitute widely used in the 18th century to decorate a wide variety of items from furniture and coaches to such personal articles as fans and snuffboxes. The technique was named after the French brothers Guillaume and Etienne-Simon Martin, who perfected the process, but covers work by other craftsmen as well. Highly praised by Voltaire, it was developed to imitate East Asian lacquerware...

18th century French large Vernis Martin gilt bronze cartel clock and console The impressive and large clock case decorated overall with very fine ‘Vernis Martin’ lacquer paint wit...

Louis XV Style Vernis martin cartel clock and thermometer, circa 1740. A very fine and palatial of French 18 century Louis XV style vernis marti...

A large and important French 18th century Louis XV period Tortoiseshell and ormolu Boulle cartel clock signed Le Faucheur, A Paris. The clock is ra...

A most impressive and large scale pair of French 18th century Louis XV period cartel clock and barometer signed Le Roy & Cie, Paris. Each ormolu case has a exquisite a symmetrical design with scrolled foliate movements amidst richly chased branches and flowers. At the center are the original enameled dials one being the clock and the other being the barometer. Each dial is surrounded by an ormolu lattice design while above are period scenes of a gentleman courting a maiden. The young man stands above the young maiden playing a flute while she sits below reading the sheet music. Two sheep seem to be enjoying themselves listening to the music being played. Julien Le Roy (1686-1759) was a major 18th-century Parisian clockmaker and watchmaker. Born in Tours in 1686, by the age of 13, he had already made his first clock. In 1699, he moved to Paris further training. He became maitre horloger in 1713 and later juré of his guild. Further appointments followed, including the Directorship of the Société des Arts, but the pinnacle of his achievement was being appointed clockmaker (Horloger Ordinaire du Roi) toking Louis XV in 1739. He carried on his business from Rue du Harlay until his death in 1759. His son Pierre Le Roy...

A very fine Early 18th century French Louis XV period corne verte (green horn) and ormolu mounted cartel or wall clock. The impressive cartel rests on its original socle - wall mounted base. Signed on the original white enamel dial with hand painted Roman numerals within a hand blown glass door with ormolu trim and decorated with ornate bronze. Impressively chiseled or ciselé work throughout. The wonderful gilt bronze case is signed by the highly respected maitre ebeniste and clockmaker, A. Gosselin from Paris. It is surrounded by flowers and foliage. Antoine Gosselin ‘A. Gosselin’ (Antoine Gosselin 1731-1794, Paris, master in 1752). Original gilding throughout, exquisite patina. Clock is in very good antique condition and functions, but may need to be serviced again after shipping just as all clocks do. The ormolu Chinoiserie...