Important Watches

Geneva, Mar 20, 2010

LOT 321

Louis Moinet Urania Attributed to Louis Moinet, No. 4239. Made circa 1810. Very fine and rare, Empire gilt-bronze, 8-day going, hour and half-hour striking mantel clock.

CHF 5,000 - 7,000

USD 4,500 - 6,500 / EUR 3,500 - 5,000

Sold: CHF 7,800

C. Rectangular, gilt-bronze, the top mounted with books, mathematical instruments and a laurel wreath, flanked on on side with a blue celestial glone with gold stars on a gilt-bronze pedestal, on the other the figure of Urania in Neoclassical dress reading a book, the front with a mount of library books with a central bust of Homer, rectangular base, the front panel cast with a colonnade of pillars hung with flower swags and a central brule parfum, four cast feet. D. Annular, white enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, engine-turned gilt center. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. 80 mm., circular, gilt-brass, going barrels for both trains, anchor escapement, silk suspension, outside countwheel striking on a bell. Dim. 41 x 30 x 13 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The subject matter of this clock indicates that it was intended for use in the library or study. It is a fine example, well modelled and in very good condition. An almost identical clock signed Louis Moinet was owned by American President Thomas Jefferson and is now on display at the Monticello Museum, Virginia. Another similar clock is illustrated in : Tardy, La Pendule Francaise, Part 2, 5th Edition, 1981, p. 289.