A fine French Louis XVI ormolu sculptural mantel clock after Osmond, Viger circa 1770

Description

The Case

The ormolu drum case containing the movement is surmounted by an ornamental urn hung with garlands and can be attributed to Osmond. The drum is flanked by two putti with symbols of architecture sitting on a break front plinth with rosettes and scrolls. The rectangular moulded marble plinth with a pierced ormolu ornament with trefoils and leaves. The whole raised on sturdy turned feet.

The dial

The 11.5-cm enamel dial has Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals with gilt spots for the five minute minute marking. The signature Viger A Paris in the centre. The gilt pierced and engraved hands are of the fleur-de-lys type.

The movement

The spring driven movement has a duration of eight days and needs to be wound once a week. It strikes the hours and half hours on a bell with count wheel striking. It has anchor escapement and silk suspended pendulum. The back plate is signed Viger A Paris No. 942.