Maison Balthazard Mahogany Clock In Gilded Bronze Cherubs Enamel Dial

Here is a 19th century clock, it comes from the prestigious Balthazard house in Paris. The first models of lyre clocks date back to the beginning of the 18th century. The success of the lyre clock was very important under Louis XVI, this present lot derives from typical models which were available in numerous versions and materials. The Sèvres factory lists in its archives around thirty clocks sold between 1786 and the beginning of the 19th century, mainly in dark blue or “beautiful blue”. Several copies are kept at the Cognac Jay museum, the Louvre as well as the Sèvres ceramic museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Prestigious bronze makers such as Thomire and Gouthière also made versions. This exceptional clock with three dials combines admirable work of chasing the bronzes which betrays great mastery and immense sensitivity. Let us also note the remarkable work of the enamel. More elaborate and elaborate than the usual lyre clocks, this present lot is a true masterpiece of watchmaking. An analogous clock, lyre-shaped with three dials, surmounted by a mask of Apollo, the movement by Raguet-Lépine, is illustrated in A. Chapiro, Jean-Antoine Lepine, Paris, 1998. The watchmaker who signed the dial “Balthazard” of the lyre could be the son of the watchmaker Henry Balthazar, Noël Balthazar received in 1717. A second hypothesis supposes that it would be Louis-Charles Balthazar received in 1768. The Balthazars in Paris are among these watchmaking dynasties that succeeded one another, like Le Noir or Dugrand-Mesnil. It has a superb blue and white enamel dial, decorated with small stars. The bronzes are of quality, fine carving, pretty gilding. The upper part is removed, we find two cherubs holding a flame. The feet are claw feet, we find an Antique decor. It is a mahogany wood. The movement is very particular, there is a movement at the top indicating the days and months. The clock is sold as is, unserviced, uncleaned, untested. We point out that the pendulum does not hold, note wear and scratches, gaps and traces on the gilding, the left rear foot is damaged, cracks in the wood on the face. Our numerous photos allow you to appreciate the quality of the object. For the condition, please detail the photos. Feel free to zoom in. The photos are an integral part of the description. Dimensions: Height: 101 cm Width: 35 cm Depth: 18 cm Dial Ext. diameter. : 13 cm Int. diameter. : 10.5 E: H6573