No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A LOUIS XVI ENGRAVED ORMOLU STRIKING PENDULE PORTATIVE

ETIENNE LETHIER, PARIS, CIRCA 1775

Details
A LOUIS XVI ENGRAVED ORMOLU STRIKING PENDULE PORTATIVE
ETIENNE LETHIER, PARIS, CIRCA 1775
CASE: the front panel with flowerhead and scroll engraving and glazed panel, rectangular glazed side panels, on toupie feet DIAL: white enamel, signed 'Lethier/A PARIS', engraved gilt-brass hands
MOVEMENT: twin going barrels, anchor escapement and countwheel strike on top-mounted bell (replaced); pendulum
8 in. (20 cm.) high; 5 in. (13 cm.) wide; 3¼ in. (8.5 cm.) deep
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Brought to you by

Jamie Collingridge
Jamie Collingridge

Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

Sign in
View condition report

Lot Essay

Etienne Lethier is recorded working in Paris circa 1780.
A clock signed Querit, Paris, in a case of closely related design to the present example was sold at Sotheby's, Paris, 15 December 2003, lot 89 (Euro 20,350 with premium). Interestingly that clock retained its original travel case, clearly indicating its purpose.
The term 'pendule portative' does not necessarily describe clocks designed to carry the time from place to place but those that were highly portable. Such clocks were the precursors to pendules d'officier and as with the present example their cases had folding handles; these were usually quite square and sat upon small squat feet, enabling them to work on most surfaces. In Carriage Clocks, Their History and Development Charles Allix and Peter Bonnert observe that in France from about 1775 a succession of attractive small travel clocks appeared and describe this style of clock as pre-pendules de voyage. They illustrate an example (p.21, plate 1/26) by J. B. du Tertre. This has a case with an engraved arched front panel as seen on the present clock.

More from 500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe

View All
View All