Pariser Empire-Skelettpendule
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa early 19th century
This is an Empire-period skeleton clock (Skelettpendule) measuring 40 cm in height, produced in Paris during the first quarter of the 19th century. Its structure follows a Tempietto form, resting on stepped, disc-shaped feet.
The design incorporates classical elements, including a pierced gallery and a prominent eagle figure surmounting the dial. The dial features a white and dark blue enamel ring with gold star decoration, displaying black Roman hours, Arabic numerals for minutes, and index markers, all bordered by guilloché ornamentation. The movement includes a locking plate striking mechanism with a bell, capable of sounding the full and half hour, and features two winding points.
The timepiece utilizes a sunburst pendulum with silk suspension and is equipped with gilded lily-style hands for the indication of hours and minutes. A key is provided with the lot.
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 clock
- Maker
- Chopin
- Height
- 40 cm
- Suspension
- Silk suspension
- Design motifs
- Eagle and Tempietto form
- Dial features
- White and dark blue enamel with gold stars
- Place recorded
- France
- Strike mechanism
- Locking plate striking mechanism
- Maker / attribution
- Chopin
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilded lily-style hour and minute hands • Sunburst pendulum with a central human face motif • Dial featuring Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for minutes • Pierced 'à jour' gallery surrounding the dial mechanism
- Movement and Pendulum
- The movement is a striking type, specified as a locking plate striking mechanism. It allows the clock to strike on a bell for the full and half hours. The power is supplied through two winding apertures situated on the dial plate. The clock utilizes a sunburst pendulum suspended by a silk cord, a common feature for clocks of this production era. The pendulum itself features a stylized human face at its center, surrounded by radiating rays. The auction description notes that while a key is provided, the clock has not been tested to confirm its current operational state.
- Signature and Chronology
- The dial is signed "Chopin A Paris." Documentation indicates that the maker established his business in the Rue aux Ours, Paris, in 1806, later relocating to Rue Beaubourg in 1820, where operations continued until his death in 1867. The manufacturing date of the object is attributed by the source to the first quarter of the 19th century. This placement aligns with the maker's early operational years in Paris.
- Clockwork and Dial Construction
- The timepiece is constructed as a skeleton clock in the Tempietto form, elevated on stepped, circular feet. The architecture features an 'à jour' worked gallery surrounding the mechanism. Above the dial, an eagle figure serves as the terminal ornament. The face consists of an enamel ring presented in white and dark blue, enriched with gold star motifs. The time is indicated by gilded lily-shaped hands pointing to black Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes, with additional index markers. The outer edge of the dial area displays guilloché ornamentation. Visible behind the dial ring, the movement is supported by a frame, with two winding points for the internal gear train.
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 clock has not been tested for functional status
- Research required: No verification provided for the specific manufacturing date within the first quarter of the 19th century