Important Watches, Wristwatches and c...

Geneva, Oct 15, 1989

LOT 292

Anonymous, French, circa 1800. Important and rare gilt and blacked bronze hour and half hour striking clock.

CHF 60,000 - 80,000

Sold: CHF 74,750

Paul and Virginie, the celebrated characters of Bernardin de Saint Pierre, carried on a palanquin by two black slaves wearing a gilt loincloth, they are followed by a barking dog. The gilt bronze base with a bas relief depicting an episode of Paul and Virginie adventures, a palmtree on each side. The movement is set in the palanquin, with a gilt bronze drapery below the dial. White enamel dial with Roman numerals ( slightly chipped and restored). Gilt brass "Directoire" hands. Round double train movement with going barrels and anchor escapement, short pendulum with a silk suspension. Striking on a bell with a count wheel on the back plate. In very good condition. Dim. 69 x 70 x 20 mm.


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Notes

Illustrated in Tardy, "La Pendule Française", 5th Edition, 2nd part, page 249, this clock marks the beguining in France of the exotic fashion.