A fine Louis XV ormolu small mantel timepieceThe case attributed to François Vion, Paris, the dial signed Marteau fils ainé, circa 1770.
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A fine Louis XV ormolu small mantel timepiece
The case attributed to François Vion, Paris, the dial signed Marteau fils ainé, circa 1770.
In the form of a lion supporting a cylindrical case draped with ribbon tied laurel swags and surmounted by an urn, all on a rectangular plinth draped with further swags and raised on bun feet, 3 inch (7.5 cm) white enamel dial within a hinged glazed bezel, roman chapters, arabic minute numerals, pierced gilt scroll hands, circular timepiece movement with thread suspended pendulum to anchor escapement. 11½in (29.2 cm) high, 6¾in (17cm) wide at base
Estimate:
US$ 6,000 - 9,000
£4,000 - 6,000
€4,600 - 7,000

Footnotes

  • François Vion (maître 1764) was a prolific maker of clock cases. A design for this clock case, preserved in the Bibliothèque Doucet conveys the small scale of the model. Similar to the present example, it calls for a dial of 3 pouces [Paris inches], 1 ligne diameter.

    Another example of the clock, as well as the drawing, is illustrated in Ottomeyer, H. and P. Proschel, ed, Vergoldete Bronzen, v. 1, figs. 3.11.4 and 3.11.6. The dial of the movement may refer to Gilles-Antoine De Marteau (Marteau le Jeune) a graveur, who was received as maître into the bronze maker's guild in 1764 by virtue of being the son of the elder Gilles Marteau, a master engraver. See: P. Verlet. Les Bronzes Dorés français du XVIII Siècle, p 414.

Category: Clocks and Watches / Watches

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