Louis XV style Boulle pendule
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1830
This French pendule, dated circa 1830, features a wooden case with three-sided glazing, adorned with tortoiseshell and brass marquetry. The case is finished with finely chased, gilt bronze mounts, including a finial depicting Cupid sitting on a shaft, which is noted as being loosely attached.
The clock face is constructed from cast bronze and features individual enamel cartouches displaying Roman numerals. Internally, the clock is equipped with a pendulum movement featuring thread suspension and a strike mechanism for the half-hour on a bell. A sun pendulum is included with the mechanism. Two original keys are provided with the clock. The auction description notes that the movement is in working order, though the striking mechanism requires cleaning and the exterior case is in need of some restoration.
The overall height of the clock is 75 cm.
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
- Pendule
- Height
- 75 cm
- Dial type
- Cast bronze with enamel cartouches
- Case material
- Wood, tortoiseshell, brass, and gilt bronze
- Place recorded
- France
- Country of origin
- France
- Striking mechanism
- Half-hour strike on bell
- Date of manufacture
- circa 1830
- Movement suspension
- Thread suspension
- Included accessories
- Two original keys
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features tortoiseshell and brass marquetry • Dial uses individual enamel cartouches for Roman numerals • Finial figure of Cupid with quiver • Sun-shaped pendulum bob visible within case
- Dial and Movement
- The time is indicated on a dial crafted from cast bronze. The chapter ring consists of distinct enamel cartouches that feature Roman numerals. The clock relies on a pendulum movement for its timekeeping, which utilizes a thread suspension system and includes a sun-shaped pendulum bob. The clock movement is reported to be in working condition. The mechanism includes a striking function that sounds on a bell every half hour. The auction house reports that the striking mechanism is currently in need of cleaning to function as intended.
- Condition and Dimensions
- The clock stands at an overall height of 75 cm. The auction description mentions that the case is in need of some restoration work. Two original keys were documented as being included with the lot. The internal components include a striking mechanism that requires maintenance. Aside from the loose Cupid figure and the striking mechanism, no further details regarding the internal condition are provided.
- Case Construction and Decoration
- The clock is housed in a wooden cabinet featuring glazing on three sides. The exterior surfaces are finished with marquetry using a combination of tortoiseshell and brass, which is described as being partially engraved. The case is further embellished with gilt bronze applications that have been finely chased to provide detail. Surmounting the top of the clock is a decorative bronze figure of Cupid, depicted with an arrow and seated upon a shaft. The auction description reports that this figure is only loosely attached to the top of the clock housing.
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: Cupid figure is noted as loosely attached
- Research required: Striking mechanism requires cleaning