A small French Louis XV corne verte bracket clock by Coutterez, circa 1745

Description

Corne verte

Because of the compact dimensions, these small bracket clocks were often designed for the sleeping quarters. However, since this clock is equipped with striking work and it lacks a pull repetition or an alarm, we can be fairly sure this wasn’t the case with this piece. The wavy lines, strongly waisted case, and foliate gilt bronzes are all typical of the Rococo or Louis XV period. The term ‘corne verte’ translates as ‘green horn’, which is exactly what it is. Thin sheets of ‘bull horn’ are veneered onto a green ground. This results in a stunning combination of green and gold, which suited the colourful Louis XV interiors. But from experience, we know that these strong colours fit very well in a more modern setting. A beautiful clock and decorative object in one.

Coutterez A Lyon

The 16-cm enamel dial has Roman numerals and is signed in the centre Coutterez A Lyon. The beautiful pierced and engraved Rococo hands are made of gilt brass. A nice early feature is that the winding holes are asymmetrical which is an early feature.

identically signed

The movement is driven by two spring barrels and has a duration of at least eight days. The backplate is identically signed Coutterez A Lyon. It is regulated by a tic-tac escapement in combination with a silk suspended pendulum. The clock strikes the hours and half hours by means of a numbered countwheel, another early feature.

Bracket clock

Since these clocks are placed on a bracket the type is usually referred to as bracket clock. In France the type is also often referred to as cartel. As described above the case is veneered with a sheet of horn on a green ground. It is surmounted by a decorative gilt bronze urn. The case is throughout adourned with further rococo gilt bronze mounts. The whole is raised on rococo feet and placed on a matching ogee shaped wall bracket.