DIAL AND MOVEMENT SIGNED 'GAUDRON A PARIS', THE CASE INSCRIBED 'L.B.', CIRCA 1710

Details

A LOUIS XIV BRONZE-MOUNTED RED TORTOISESHELL RELIGEUSE TABLE CLOCK* **
DIAL AND MOVEMENT SIGNED 'GAUDRON A PARIS', THE CASE INSCRIBED 'L.B.', CIRCA 1710
The case with urn finials and acanthus leaf corner mounts over a pierced bronze gallery, the rectangular glazed door and sides on bun feet, the velvet-covered dial plate with applied gilt dial case and chased with strapwork and shells and inset with Roman chapters on reserves over a signature plate within a cartouche, the movement wtih vase-shaped pillars, adjustable bushing to anchor escapement embracing two and a half teeth, silk thread suspension to pendulum with rise and fall by means of snail cam and disk above the dial plate, restored cyloidal cheeks, striking the hour by means of a countwheel mounted on the signed backplate, the bell stand mounted within the bell top
18 in. (45.5. cm.) high

Provenance

A New York Collector; Christie's, New York, 17 December 1986, lot 256.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

The maker is probably Pierre Gaudron (d. 1745), maitre in 1695, who was noted for this early version of the tic-tac escapement. The clock is notable both for its technical features of rise and fall with unusual anchor escapement as well as for its case. Should the initials L.B. prove to be those of the case maker, this may be the earliest known signed French clock case.

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