CIRCA 1800

Details

A GERMAN ORMOLU AND PATINATED BRONZE MANTEL CLOCK
CIRCA 1800
Modelled as a beehive, the circular white enamelled Roman dial inscribed 'J.J. Schmidt in Karlsruhe', on a moulded hexagonal base on bun feet, the movement with twin barrels, silk suspension and countwheel strike on bell, some bees replaced
13¾ in. (34 cm.) high; 6½ in. (16½ cm.) wide and 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.

Sale room notice

The estimate should read £6,000-8,000, and not as stated in the catalogue.

Lot Essay

This charming clock is emblematic of the romantic, whimsical and naturalistic interpretation of early 19th Century decorative arts. Such innovative examples include clocks modelled as windmills or flowers, among which a clock-cum-inkwell modeled as a sunflower, offered Christie's, London, 5 July 2007, lot 1, (£13,200 including premium), and a further clock featuring a hortensia (or 'hydrangea'), symbolic of Hortense de Beauharnais, sold, Christie's, London, 7 December 2006, lot 4. A virtually identical beehive clock, albeit of slightly later date, is illustrated in P. Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de La Pendule Française du Moyen-Age au XXe siècle, Paris, 1997, p.434, fig. H, and a further related ormolu and steel beehive clock is illustrated Ibid, fig G.

More from Important European Furniture and Sculpture

View All