It was listed by Dragon-Antiques.com. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.
Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this piece to the 1860s.
Jean-Francois Galaup Lapérouse
~ French - Circa 1860 ~
~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~
It is based loosely on the painting by Nicolas-André Monsiau, currently in the Chateau de Versailles (see below). Lapérouse was appointed in 1785 by Louis XVI to lead an expedition around the world, this ultimately ended in tragedy with his ships wrecked on Vanikoro, part of the islands of Santa Cruz. The Captain is seated next to the clock with a globe in front of him, his log of discoveries is to his right elbow.
He is beautifully and finely depicted. It is exquisitely detailed and of excellent quality, being gilded bronze rather then the more usual gilt spelter. The original gilding is in stunning condition with hardly any wear and has a lovely bright and clean finish. The clock has a swept base with scroll feet and naval symbols of an anchor to the front.
The dial is enamel on copper with original blued steel breguet hands and floral bezel. This type of clock does not have a glazed bezel or a rear door.
The French movement is of high quality. It is the earlier version of Pendule De Paris movement with outside hammer return spring. It is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is a replacement. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!
Condition of the case is stunning, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any wear or discolouration and there are no losses. We have gently removed years of grime to reveal the original gilding beneath. The dial is also in excellent condition with no damage.
A stunning, original, early ormolu clock to add to your collection!
Complete with pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.
Shipping within UK £25
Shipping to USA / Europe £115 by air fully insured
World wide shipping - £165 by air fully insured
Dimensions of clock:
inches: Height 13 3/4", Width 17 1/2", Depth 6 1/2"
centimetres: Height 35 cm, Width 44.5 cm, Depth 16.5 cm
About us - All of our clocks are original antiques, we source most of our clocks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. We prefer to buy our clocks in original 'dirty' condition. We then clean the cases using a technique we have developed over many years. We employ two qualified clockmakers who overhaul the movements. Movements are thoroughly tested until we are satisfied that they will run trouble free.
Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this piece to the 1860s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Dragon-Antiques.com Profile Page
Superb Early French Ormolu Clock Jean-francois Galaup Lapérouse