A French late Empire ormolu mounted portico mantel clock with oscillating movement, circa 1825.

Description

Gilt bronze

In the second quarter of the 18th century, decorators and designers felt the need to enlighten interiors. They mainly tried to achieve this by reflecting light with mirrors, cut crystal and gilt objects. This led to a huge increase in the demand for and production of gilt bronze objects and mounts. The improvement of the technique for treating the surface of the gold layer made it possible to create different shades of reflection on the same part. The alternation of matt and shiny areas created a sparkling effect of light. It is not difficult to imagine that this effect was even stronger because the lighting was provided by flickering candlelight. With this clock, the sparkle of the gilded bronze is further enhanced by the oscillating. And since an oscillating movement is not something one sees every day, it will also have led to amazement and appreciation. This beautiful object is therefore not only a feast for the eyes but also a conversation piece.

Gilt brass dial

The guilloché engraved gilt brass dial has Roman numerals and is signed Delaunoy Eleve de Breguet. The Breguet hands are made of blued steel. The dial is surrounded by a bezel decorated with flowers.

Pinwheel escapement

The movement is mounted in a compensated pendulum with a knife-edge suspension. It is driven by two spring barrels and has a duration of at least eight days. It is regulated by pinwheel escapement. The clock strikes the hours and half hours by means of a countwheel on a bell.

Mahogany

The architectural mahogany case has a moulded stepped cresting with ormolu mounts. This cresting is supported by two beautiful conical columns with further ormolu capitals and bases. The rectangular base base is raised on flat gilt feet and has a beautiful pierced foliate mount on the front.

Delaunoy

Delaunoy was a pupil of the famous Abraham Louis Breguet. He is registered as working in Rue Meslay from 1830 to 1840, in Rue N.D. de Nazareth in 1840 and in Rue Croix des Petits Champs in 1870.