Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this Ormolu Marble Mantel Clock to the 1900s.
The design follows the elegant neoclassical tradition of late 18th-century French clockmaking. A closely related Louis XVI clock, signed Sauvajot à Paris and dating to circa 1790, was offered by Cambi Casa d'Aste in 2019, its sculptural composition similarly identified as Cupid and Psyche crowning two doves. The finely cast and chased figures display exceptional attention to detail, with beautifully modelled facial features, flowing drapery and delicately rendered wings.
The circular white enamel dial is signed Baguès Frères, Paris, with Arabic numerals and finely pierced gilt hands and convex glazed bezel. The clock is raised upon an architectural white marble plinth, richly embellished with finely chased ormolu mounts incorporating classical ornamentation, scrolling foliage and floral garlands, supported upon six finely turned ormolu feet.
The superb quality French movement is in excellent, clean working condition, having been fully overhauled and serviced by our clockmaker. It has also been fitted with a new jewelled platform lever escapement, ensuring reliable and accurate timekeeping. The movement has an eight-day duration and strikes the hours and half-hours on a beautifully resonant bell. Please click on the video below to hear the bell striking and see this magnificent clock in operation.
Baguès Frères, Paris
The distinguished Parisian firm of Baguès was founded in 1840 by Noël Durand Baguès (1819–1869), initially specialising in the manufacture of ecclesiastical bronzes for churches and cathedrals. Under the direction of his son Eugène Baguès, the company expanded into the production of fine decorative bronzes, ornamental metalwork and luxury lighting, establishing an enviable reputation for the exceptional quality of its craftsmanship. The firm achieved international recognition during the latter part of the 19th century, exhibiting at the great Paris Universal Exhibitions of 1878, 1889 and 1900, where its productions received numerous distinctions. The business subsequently passed to Eugène's sons, Victor and Robert, trading as Baguès Frères and further enhancing the company's international reputation. During the early 20th century, the firm became closely associated with some of the most celebrated names in French decorative arts, including Armand-Albert Rateau and Maison Jansen. Renowned for the quality of its bronze casting, meticulous chasing and exquisite gilding, Maison Baguès remains one of the distinguished names in the history of French decorative metalwork.
Listed in Tardy Dictionnaire Des Horlogers Francois as working at 31 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Paris in 1880.
Baguès Frères signature on the dial
The case is in excellent condition throughout, retaining its beautiful original gilding, which is wonderfully clean and bright, with only slight areas of age-related wear and discolouration. The dial is also in excellent condition, free from damage. The white marble displays some minor marks and discolouration consistent with age, together with a few small nibbles to the edges, none of which detract from the overall beauty and presentation of this magnificent clock.
An exceptionally elegant example of late 19th-century French decorative craftsmanship, combining the timeless romance of Cupid and Psyche with the fine bronze work associated with the prestigious Parisian firm of Baguès Frères.
Complete with bell and a suitable key.
Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this Ormolu Marble Mantel Clock to the 1900s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Dragon-Antiques.com Profile Page
Antique French Ormolu and Marble Clock Cupid and Psyche by Bagues Freres, Paris
