L\'ART DE L\'HORLOGERIE EN FRANCE DE ...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 14, 1993

LOT 221

Anonymous, French, circa 1860. Fine and unusual gilt bronze timepiece, with optional "Licensieuse"scene.

C. Gilt bronze base on four oral feet supporting a ruin with a neo-gothic fountain, the flow of water simulated by a twisted glass rod driven by a seperate clockwork train and issuing from a lion's month, with an alternative proposition(depending on your personal taste), namely a gilt bronze halfcut figure of a meaty young girl in a squatting position who can be placed at your will in front of the fountain where she then appears to be obeying the call of nature ad infinitum; in this age where animal rights are quite rightly of international concern, it is clear that nobody has given due consideration to the opinion of the lion, who might be of a delicate disposition and therefore malcontent with his view from derriere the derriere. D. Gilt brass with Roman numerals. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. GiIt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring and gilt brass continental cock. Brass rectangular for the automaton fountain with going barrel and fly regulator. In good condition. Dim. 31x19x13cm.