The Longitude at the Eve of the Third...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 23, 1999

LOT 492

Bourdier No. 9, circa 1810, the bronze byClaude Galle.La Beauté nous montre les fleurs du Printemps et jettant un voile sur les heures de la Vie, nous porte à l'oubli du tems.Very fine bronze and ormolu eight day going, hour and half-hour striking clock à cercles tournants.

CHF 40,000 - 45,000

C. Sea-green rectangular marble base applied with gilt bronze female figure holding a ribbon marked "Oubli du Temps" and standing on four gilt bronze feet, the front ones designed as winged heads. On the terrace, a draped beauty discloses the time further gilt bronze applied decoration, the winding holes concealed by a garland. D. White enamel horizontal chapter rings with Roman numerals and Arabic minute ring above. Gilt bronze index designed as an arrow above the aperture. M. Brass full plateectangular with going barrels both on the going and the strikinhg trains (both springs signed Bourdier Oct. 1810), anchor escapement, short pendulum with silk suspension. Striking on a bell with count wheel on the back plate.Signed on the back plate.Dim. 50 x 33 15 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: * 4 - 5
Dial: 3

Good

Notes

In the 1806 Exhibition, Claude Galle was awarded the 2nd prize and the Central Jury Report pointed out: "Among the clocks exhibited by M. Galle, the one featuring a maiden disclosing the dial aperture, merits a special mention for the pleasant and rational way in which the time is displayed, rather a rare quality on such ornament.Galle, Claude (1759-1815), eminent bronze caster who supplied clocks to Napoleon and for most of the palaces during the first Empire.