Magnificent pendule with quarter-hour strike
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1710
This French pendule, dating to approximately 1710, features a Boulle case design, with elements of Contre-Boulle decoration and a translucent protective varnish finish.
The clock stands approximately 59 cm in height and sits on rocaille feet. The case is glazed on three sides and capped by a crowning putto figure. The dial is constructed of decorated cast brass and is fitted with individual enamel cartouches for the hour numerals. The movement is a massive brass plate design signed by the maker, Margotin a Paris, featuring a verge escapement and powered by a large barrel. It is equipped with a quarter-hour striking mechanism intended for two bells, though one striking hammer is currently missing.
The clock includes a repetition mechanism operated by a cord. The auction report indicates that the striking mechanism does not function and cannot be tested.
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 1710
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Maker
- Margotin a Paris
- Height
- 59 cm
- Strike
- Quarter-hour
- Condition
- Movement 3-4, Housing 2-3
- Escapement
- Verge
- Place recorded
- France
- Case construction
- Boulle and Contre-Boulle
- Maker / attribution
- Margotin a Paris
Design
- Visible features
- • The front glass has a noticeable crack • The crowning putto figure is identified as a secondary addition • The dial features enamel Roman numeral cartouches • The case features applied cast brass rocaille feet and ornaments
- Dial and Internal Components
- The dial is composed of cast brass and features decorative surface casting. The hour markers are presented as individual enamel cartouches featuring blue Roman numerals. These are set against the intricate metalwork of the brass dial face. Internal inspections reveal the continuation of the marquetry theme within the case, notably on the rear door. The movement is secured within the housing which, according to the provided condition report, is rated at a 2-3 level, indicating the general state of the exterior housing relative to the movement's functionality.
- Case and Aesthetic Construction
- The clock is housed in a Boulle-style case which incorporates sections of Contre-Boulle, with the exterior surfaces covered in a translucent protective varnish. The structural form includes a semicircular upper section, an attached top, and a trapezoidally arranged base supported by rocaille feet. The case is glazed on three sides to allow for visibility into the interior components. The rear door is decorated on the interior with Contre-Boulle work. A putto figure is mounted at the apex of the case, although this element is noted to be a secondary replacement. The front glass panel shows signs of a beginning crack.
- Movement and Mechanical Function
- The timepiece is driven by a massive brass plate movement signed by Margotin a Paris. It utilizes a verge escapement and relies on a large mainspring barrel for power. The clock is designed to strike the quarter-hours on two bells using a configuration of three striking hammers. One of the three striking hammers is currently missing. Furthermore, the clock includes a repetition function enabled by a cord. The auction house reports that the function of the striking train cannot be tested because the mechanism does not initiate correctly. The movement is rated in condition category 3-4.
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 striking mechanism is noted as non-functional
- Research required: The figure crowning the clock is explicitly stated to be a secondary addition