Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this French Ormolu Mantel Clock to the 1860s.
~~ Excellent condition, fully restored ~~
The movement is by the esteemed maker Japy Frères and the clock retailed by the prestigious firm of Howell James & Co., London. It is adorned with exquisite Sèvres-style porcelain panels, the front delicately painted with cherubic figures and the sides with finely rendered floral bouquets, all reserved upon a bleu céleste ground.
The clock is raised upon an elaborate and boldly modelled base, richly cast with laurel leaves and sweeping scrollwork of bold proportion. To either side are finely sculpted lion’s mask handles, crisply defined and beautifully gilded, lending both strength and balance to the composition. Above, an ornate urn surmount crowns the case with classical poise. The dial is of porcelain enamel on copper, complete with its original finely cut gilt-brass hands. As is characteristic of this type, the clock is constructed without a front or rear bezel.
The French movement is by Japy Frères and is of high quality. It is in excellent, clean running order, having been fully overhauled and tested by our clockmaker. The pendulum is original. The clock runs for eight days and strikes the hours and half-hours upon a bell. We invite you to view the accompanying video to hear the tone of the bell and to see the movement in operation - please ask and we will send you a link.
The clock was retailed by the famous Howell James and Company of Regent Street London. The firm Howell and James was founded in 1819 by James Howell and Isaac James who were originally silk mercers and retail jewellers. The company had premises at 5, 7 and 9 Regent Street and was noted for the variety and quality of its stock. In 1838 James left the business and the partnership then became known as Howell James & Co.
Japy Frères clockmaker's 1855 mark and Howell James & Co retailers mark on the movement backplate.
The design of this clock is based on the 18th century by the well known case maker Antoine Foullet (1710-1775). He was a cabinet maker who specialised in clockcases. He became master in 1749 and worked from his workshop on the rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, Paris. Following his death in 1775, an inventory drawn up lists twenty clocks cases, some made entirely of bronze. Foullet's work is represented in the finest collections including The J Paul Getty Museum. A design drawing of a similar clock can be seen on page 192 of Vergoldete Bronzen by Hans Ottomeyer and Peter Proschel.
A clock of similar design can be seen on page 239 of Les Plus Belles Pendules Francaises by Giacomo and Aurelie Wannenes 2013.
Condition of the case is excellent, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with only slight wear where the clock has been handled for winding for example. Porcelain is in excellent condition including the hand painted over glaze gilt decoration. The dial is also in excellent condition with no damage.
Complete with original pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.
Dimensions of clock:
inches: Height 13 1/4", Width 8", Depth 4 1/2"
centimetres: Height 34 cm, Width 20 cm, Depth 11.5 cm
Shipping within UK £25
Shipping to USA / Europe £95 by air fully insured
World wide shipping - £125 by air fully insured
Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this French Ormolu Mantel Clock to the 1860s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Dragon-Antiques.com Profile Page
Japy Freres Ormolu and Sevres Porcelain Drum Head Clock - Fully Restored
