Beschreibung:

A FINE FRENCH BRASS GORGE CASED SMALL REPEATING ALARM CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH LIMOGES ENAMEL PANELS
UNSIGNED, PARIS, CIRCA 1875
The eight-day two train gong striking movement with frosted silvered platform lever escapement regulated by sprung split bimetallic balance and alarm mechanism planted between the plates at eleven o'clock sounding on the same gong, the backplate stamped with serial number 7027 to lower left-hand corner, the rectangular deep maroon almost black enamel dial with gilt star rosette to centre, contrasting gilt and white Roman numerals to chapter ring and gilt brass hands, the upper spandrel areas decorated in translucent polychrome enamel with Renaissance inspired stylised foliate scroll strapwork and the lower margin centred with an Arabic numeral alarm setting dial flanked by bird inhabited conforming leafy scrollwork, the brass gorge case with hinged carrying handle over large bevelled top glass, trip-repeat button to front rail and channel-moulded uprights, the sides inset with fine enamel panels depicting winged clothed putti serenading lovebirds with a pan pipes and a flageolet, the rear with pin-hinged bevel glazed door, on ogee-outline base; with original tooled Morocco leather covered protective carrying case.
The clock 10cm (4ins) high with handle down, 7cm (2.75ins) wide, 6cm (2.375ins) deep.
 
The exquisite dial and side panels of the current lot are textbook examples of the finest enamel-work produced in the Limoges workshops during the second half of the 19th century. The Renaissance inspired subject matter along with the colour palette (in particular the dark ground) revives the style for which the region became particularly well-known for during the 16th Century. Indeed the popularity and re-establishment of the Limoges enamel workshops during the second half of the 19th century was born out of a deep appreciation for the Renaissance originals which had become highly prized by connoisseurs earlier in the century. As often the case with French revivalist art the intention was to match (or even, if possible, exceed) the quality of the originals hence there was generally a 'no expense spared' approach to execution in order to achieve this objective.
Condition Report:
Movement is in relatively clean fully working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. If intending to put then clock into long term service a precautionary gentle clean/service is advised. The dial panel has what appears to be a very slight scratch to the ground near the top right hand corner (can only really be seen on close examination under strong light). The left-hand side panel has miniscule chips to each of the upper two corners (again only visible on very close examination), otherwise the enamel panels appear to be free from any visible faults. The glasses appear free form visible damage and the case is free from defects although the surface is generally a little dull/discoloured. The travelling case is structurally sound retaining its original strap handle, button clasp and repeat push intact. The interior has lifting/snagging to the velvet lining and general wear; the exterior has uneven scuffing and wear to the surface including a rectangular patch form a sticky label being attached to the top of the lid at some point.
Clock does not have a winding key.
 
Condition Report Disclaimer