Gauchet et Fils Directoire Skeleton Portico Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
End 18th century
This late 18th-century French Directoire skeleton clock is reported by the seller to be signed Gauchet et Fils at Livry. Built in a portico design, the circular movement drum is suspended between two dark columns raised on a stepped rectangular base with gilt friezes and four adjustable feet.
A white enamel chapter ring displays Roman numerals for the hours and includes day and planetary symbols, leaving the center open to view the movement. Gilt bronze ornamentation features an upper flower and fruit basket, winged sphinx figures, drapery below the dial, Egyptian female mounts on the column uprights, and a suspended sunburst pendulum.
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
- Skeleton mantel clock
- Dimensions
- Height 57 cm, Width 32 cm, Depth 11 cm
- Period Style
- Directoire (end 18th century)
- Column Mounts
- Two Egyptian female figures
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker Signature
- Gauchet et Fils at Livry
- Dial Description
- Roman numerals with 4 hands and planetary/day markings
- Maker / attribution
- Gauchet et Fils
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel chapter ring with an open center revealing the brass movement train. • Dark portico architectural frame flanked by two columns with gilded Egyptian caryatid mounts. • Gilded bronze surmount composed of a tall floral basket flanked by winged sphinxes. • Suspended pendulum with a cast sunburst mask bob swinging between the pillars. • Elaborate pierced gilt drapery mount hung beneath the movement drum.
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The dial features Roman numerals and four needles to indicate hours and days, the latter marked with planetary symbols (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn). The timepiece is encased with convex and beveled glass on both the front and back.
- Provenance and Claims
- The clock is signed 'Gauchet et Fils at Livry' and is dated by the source to the end of the 18th century. The seller describes the condition as excellent, specifies that the gilding is original mercury, and reports that the clock is in working condition. These claims are provided by the dealer.
- Architectural Design and Decoration
- The clock is built in a portico design, resting on two columns. The decorative scheme includes a gilt bronze floral basket, sphinx figures, and garlands at the top. The base features a frieze and four adjustable feet. The uprights are decorated with Egyptian female figures and a crown. Below the movement, there is an assembly consisting of a large drapery mount, a central figure, sphinxes, and floral and leaf motifs.
Identification
- Reference
- 888205
- 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: Movement escapement type and exact caliber specifications are not detailed in the source.
- Research required: Authenticity of original mercury gilding and working condition are based solely on seller claims.