A large French Louis XVI ormolu mounted and marble lyre mantel clock, circa 1780.

Description

The chapter ring

The 15.5-cm enamel chapter ring has Roman numerals for the hours and outer five minute marking. The inner rim is calibrated in red for the date indication. The chapter ring is fitted in a finely cast and chiseled gilt bronze sunburst bezel. The open centre reveals the movement and shows a ‘sun’ on the lever for the date indication. On an arbour of the striking train there is a ‘moonphase’ which goes around once in twenty four hours indicating day and night. The beautifully cut and engraved hands are made of gilt brass and the date indicator of blued steel.

The movement

The large French plated movement is driven by two spring barrels and has a duration of two weeks. It is regulated by anchor escapement in combination of a pendulum with large annular bob. It has beat adjustment to the crutch. The clock strikes the hours and half hours by means of a countwheel on a bell.

The case

The pendulum is suspended from the upper part of the lyre-shaped ormolu case of very high quality. It is surmounted by subflowers and beautifully made eagle heads which are connected by a garland. The lower part of the lyre is placed in matte acanthus leaves. It is placed on a moulded oval white marble plinth with ormolu pearl rims and an pierced relief of scrolling leaves. The whole is raised on flat ormolu feet.