Louis XVI Style Gilt and Marble Clock and Cassolettes
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1865
This set consists of an annular clock and two matching cassolettes, all created in a neoclassical design. The components are primarily constructed from white Carrara marble with doré bronze mounts.
The clock functions as a crown wheel movement with a deadbeat escapement. It features a gilt dial at its summit, which displays time through a rotating annular mechanism rather than a traditional lid. The maker, Victor Athanase Pierret, signed the winding mechanism of the clock. This specific horological piece includes the mark "SGDG," indicating compliance with Parisian patent laws related to innovations in horological design.
The accompanying cassolettes are decorative vessels designed to mirror the aesthetic of the clock, incorporating eagle mask supports and foliate festoons. The set is attributed to the nineteenth century, with the manufacturer identified as active in Paris.
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
- Date
- circa 1865
- Type
- Annular clock
- Maker
- Victor Athanase Pierret
- Material
- Carrara marble and doré bronze
- Signature
- VAP BREVETE SGDG
- Escapement
- Deadbeat escapement
- Place recorded
- France
- Height of Clock
- 10 inches
- Maker / attribution
- Victor Athanase Pierret
Design
- Visible features
- • The dial is an annular rotating ring with visible numerals. • The clock movement includes a crown wheel and deadbeat escapement. • The case includes eagle masks holding festoons. • The base is made of white Carrara marble.
- Cassolettes and Materials
- Accompanying the clock are two cassolettes, defined as small containers historically used to hold perfumed substances or incense. These objects were crafted to mirror the design of the clock, utilizing the same combination of Carrara marble and doré bronze mounts. Each of the three items in the set measures approximately one foot in height.
- Clock Construction and Design
- The annular clock features a mechanical movement utilizing a crown wheel with a deadbeat escapement. Unlike traditional timepieces with removable lids, the summit of this clock houses a gilt timepiece that rotates to indicate the hour. The winding mechanism for this movement is positioned at the base of the clock. The aesthetic design of the clock is neoclassical, incorporating doré bronze mounts and Carrara white marble. The body is supported by legs adorned with eagle masks and foliate festoons, creating a visual link to the matching cassolettes that complete the set.
- Maker and Intellectual Property
- The clock is signed by the horologist Victor Athanase Pierret, who was active in Paris during the nineteenth century. The clock bears the mark "SGDG," a designation that indicates the object was produced in accordance with Parisian patent law at the time of its creation.
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 exact year of manufacture is listed as 'circa 1865' which is an approximation.
- Research required: The association with specific Parisian patent law is based on the 'SGDG' mark, which the source interprets as accordance with law.