The impressive and large clock case decorated overall with very fine ‘Vernis Martin’ lacquer paint with floral sprays and garlands on a red background. The waisted case completely framed and mounted with pierced foliate gilt bronze decoration and surmounted by a arbor shaped foliate finial with a bird spreading its wings. The clock case rests on its original wall mounted bracket wich shows the same kind of decoration of vernis Martin lacquer paint in combination with sumptous Louis XV bronze mounts. Movement in working condition striking half and full hours on a silvered bronze bell. The large dial enameled cartouches showing Roman and Arabic numerrals signed: “Causard – Hgr (Horlogier) – Du Roi – Suivt (Suivant) -La Cour” and is accessed by a glass door.
The signature refers to Edmé-Jean Causard (1718-1780), who is among the most famous watchmakers of the 18th century. Causard set up his own business around 1750 and received the title “Marchand Horloger Priviligié du Roi” as early as 1753. He had his business in the Hotel d’ Angleterre, rue Saint Honoré à Paris. His illustrious clientele included Maréchal de Duras, the Marquises de Langeac and de Massilac, and M. Blondel de Gagny. This technique of ornate lacquer (Vernis Martin) was in imitation to the Chinese lacquers which became incredibly popular during this time. The most celebrated varnishers of their time using tis technique, Etienne-Simon Martin and his brothers would become vernisseurs du roi (“varnishers to the king”).
We recommend having the clock serviced by a professional technician after the shipping. Please note that when a clock of this type is shipped, it may need to be re-tuned once in place.
Condition: very good, min. wear consistent with age and use, min, fading, Movement professionally checked and cleaned – detailed condition report on request.
