Lyre Clock with Second and Date
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
This French lyre-form clock, dating to approximately 1780, is attributed to the Parisian clockmaker Furet. The timepiece features an openwork frame constructed of gilt bronze, which is designed to emulate the silhouette of a lyre.
The upper portion of the frame is ornamented with a woman's face within a sunburst halo, accompanied by flower garlands. The movement, which incorporates a scissor escapement and a compensation pendulum, is integrated into the central swinging assembly. The white enamel chapter ring displays Roman numerals for the hours, with Arabic numerals for both the minutes and the date, marked in black and red. The clock rests upon a stepped marble base composed of white and grey stone, embellished with meander frieze, beadwork, and chain details, and supported by round feet.
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 1780
- Type
- Lyre clock
- Maker
- Furet
- Height
- 52 cm
- Condition
- Marble chips and dial losses
- Materials
- Gilt bronze and marble
- Escapement
- Scissor
- Design type
- Free-swinging pendulum
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Furet
Design
- Visible features
- • The dial features both Roman hour and Arabic date numerals • A sun-figure with a human face surmounts the lyre frame
- Movement and Dial
- The timepiece utilizes a partially skeletonized movement, which is integrated directly into the swinging pendulum assembly. The escapement is of the scissor type, and the clock is equipped with a compensation pendulum. The chapter ring is crafted from white enamel and provides three distinct sets of markings: Roman numerals for the hours, and Arabic numerals for the minutes and date. These indicators are rendered in a combination of black and red paint. The dial is signed Furet à Paris.
- Design and Construction
- The clock is designed in the form of a lyre, a specific decorative shape associated with the Louis XVI period that draws thematic inspiration from music. The openwork gilt bronze frame supports the central components, with the pendulum rods oriented to represent the strings of the instrument. The structure is finished at the top with a sun-figure featuring a facial motif, often identified as a Medusa head, surrounded by a halo and adorned with floral garlands. The entire assembly is mounted upon a stepped marble base consisting of white and grey stone. This base is further embellished with refined metalwork, including a meander frieze, beadwork, and decorative chains. The object is supported by round feet and is displayed with a glass cloche on a later base.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description attributes the clock to the Parisian maker Furet, dating it to approximately 1780. The item is sold as part of a lot that includes a glass cloche and a later base assembly, which provides structural support for the original clock mechanism.
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 source mentions a 'later base' which may not be original to the 18th-century clock
- Research required: The exact identity of the woman's face, described as a possible Medusa, remains source-attributed