Antique Empire Clock Sailor, 1815

Details

Description

Miniature empire bronze clock - matelot

paris
fire-gilded and patinated bronze
early 19th century

dimensions: h x w x d: … Read more Miniature empire bronze clock - matelot

paris
fire-gilded and patinated bronze
early 19th century

dimensions: h x w x d: 18 x 14 x 9 cm

very rare miniature of the famous pendule matelot "au bon sauvage". The depiction deals with an important topic of the time, trade with the colonies.

the rectangular base stands on pressed ball feet. Attached to the front, we see two cornucopias filled with exotic fruits and held by a bow.

a young sailor, dressed in a raffia skirt and feather jewellery, leans on a bale of tobacco from the left. As an allegory of seafaring and trade, he holds a rope in one hand and a bag of gold coins in the other. Next to him is a basket filled with pineapples. To the right of the bale we see an anchor and, alongside tobacco, another export from the french colonies, a barrel of rum.

the french movement with echappement is embedded in the tobacco bale. It runs for about a week when fully wound.
the dial is framed by a finely crafted bezel, the black numerals and hands on white enamel ensure that the time is easy to read.

condition:
very nice, cleaned condition of the original fire gilding. The movement has been dismantled, cleaned and overhauled. It runs perfectly. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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