Lot 22

FRENCH LOUIS XV. CARTEL CLOCK

This impressive and rare French cartel clock with rich floral stylized decoration shows the exceptionally high quality of the artisanal bronzing tradition in France. It is a combination of green horn (known in English as "green horn veneer"), fire-gilded bronze and polished brass on the sides and inside the clock case. The green horn inlay technique itself is unique for its difficulty and uniqueness, which can only be dated back to the first half of the 18th century in France. The front glass is partially covered by a rococo dragon motif. The richly decorated dial is inset with enamel parts with Roman numerals and Arabic numerals around the rim. Signed at the bottom of the dial: DARAU A PARIS. The clock on offer was undoubtedly the pinnacle of representation in its time. A clock movement from the second half of the 19th century, half beaten. Restored.