FRENCH LOUIS XVI MANTEL CLOCK ‘Lepaute A Paris’ Ca. 1780

Mantel clocks

M&R80

FRENCH LOUIS XVI MANTEL CLOCK
Signed: Lepaute A Paris
Circa 1780
France

Movement
The spring-driven, eight-day movement is constructed between circular plates and has anchor escapement with short pendulum. It has hour and half-hour striking on a bell, regulated by a count wheel on the backplate.

Dial
The white enamel somewhat convex dial has a Roman chapter ring with Arabic five-minute and minute divisions. The maker has signed the dial in the middle in the following manner: Lepaute A PARIS. The winding holes are asymmetrically positioned near the VIII and between the III and IIII. Above the 60 is a regulation arbor, which can be operated by a watch key. The time is indicated by a fine pair of pierced and engraved firegilt brass hands. The dial is protected by a convex glass set in a firegilt bezel.

Case
The cast brass case is partly firegilt and partly patinated to a bronze colour. It is surmounted by a firegilt vase with two prominent handles on either side and is embellished by a swag. There is a laurel garland around the dial, with a bow at the bottom. The base has a sculpted moulding and rests on four claw feet.

Duration 1 week

Height 25.5 cm.
Width 12.5 cm
Depth 10 cm.

Literature: Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, Paris, 1971, pp. 378-386.

The maker
Lepaute was a descendent of a large and well-known family of clockmaker from Paris.

 

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