French Charles X Patinated and Gilt Bronze 'Fountain' Automata Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1825
This French Charles X patinated and gilt bronze automata clock, dated by the source to circa 1825, features a gilt dial with Roman numerals set between two gilt dolphins surmounting an architectural pillar.
The patinated bronze body depicts a fountain niche with a gilt river god mask above a silvered shell cistern flanked by bullrush appliques, resting on a moulded plinth raised on bun feet. Timekeeping is provided by a single-train chain fusée watch movement with a balance wheel, with the backplate signed 'Breguet A Paris'. A separate single-barrel movement, wound from the rear and operated by a lever, originally drove a rotating spiral glass rod simulating a water spout, which the source notes is lacking.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Automata mantel clock
- Dimensions
- 31.5cm high, 11cm wide, 12cm deep
- Case design
- Patinated and gilt bronze fountain niche with dolphins, river god mask, and shell cistern
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement signature
- Breguet A Paris
- Timepiece movement
- Single-train chain fusée movement with balance wheel
- Automaton mechanism
- Single barrel movement wound from the back and operated by lever
- Maker / attribution
- Breguet A Paris
Design
- Visible features
- • Patinated dark bronze tower-style case mounted with gilded appliques on a stepped plinth supported by gilt bun feet. • Central gilded river god mask with open mouth positioned directly above a fluted shell basin. • Circular gilded clock dial surmounting the structure, flanked by twin fish or dolphin motifs.
- Provenance and Attribution
- The source dates the clock to circa 1825. A signature reading 'Breguet A Paris' is reported to be present on the movement backplate. The accuracy or authenticity of the signature in relation to the Breguet workshop is not verified by current documentation.
- Movement and Automata Mechanism
- Timekeeping is provided by a single-train chain fusée movement with a balance wheel. The automata mechanism is a separate single-barrel movement that is wound from the rear and engaged via a lever. The mechanism was designed to actuate a rotating spiral glass rod intended to simulate a water spout; the source states that this glass rod is lacking.
- Case Construction and Decorative Iconography
- The clock is styled as an architectural fountain. It features a patinated bronze niche, a gilt river god mask, and a silvered shell cistern accented by bullrush appliques. The structure sits on a moulded, stepped plinth with a central applique and is raised on bun feet. A circular gilt dial featuring Roman numerals is positioned at the top of the structure, situated between two gilt dolphin motifs.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The rotating spiral glass rod automata water spout is explicitly noted as lacking.
- Research required: Internal movements and the backplate signature are not visible in the provided photograph.
- Research required: The signature 'Breguet A Paris' is source-recorded from the backplate and does not imply verified Breguet workshop authentication.