Louis XVI Ormolu Mantle Clock, After a Model by Robert Osmond, Signed Charles Bertrand

Louis XVI Ormolu Mantle Clock, After a Model by Robert Osmond, Signed Charles Bertrand

With possible alterations and re-gilt.

12 3/4 x 6 1/8 x 6 in.

Note: The basic design for this model of clock is due to the famous ornemaniste Jean-Charles Delafoss (1734-89), as represented by his drawing at the Musee des Beaux-Arts, Poitiers (P. Verlet, Les Bronzes Dorees francais du XVIIIe siecle, Paris, 1987, p. 195). This drawing was a source of inspiration for bronziers, such as Robert Osmond, who's after-drawing for this type of clock is at the Bibliotheque d'art et d'archeologie, Paris (no. 53 in his Livre de desseins); Osmond's name is now inextricably linked with fluted half column clocks of this model with a ribbon-tied laurel and berry bezel and foot. The column was the basic component of an Osmond clock and was adorned with further elements such as love birds, as on the present model.

A virtually identical clock signed Osmond, the dial signed Roggen a Paris, is illustrated in Tardy, La Pendule Francaise, Vol. II, p. 259, fig. 2; another otherwise identical but surmounted by an urn instead of love birds was sold Christie's New York, November 1, 1990, lot 43 ($10,000). Other signed Osmond clocks featuring the column as a central element are illustrated in J-D Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, Paris, 1996, p. 25, fig. 11 and P. Klellberg, Encyclopedie de la Pendule francaise du Moyen Age ou XXe Siecle, Paris, 1997, pp. 185 and 231.

Sold Christie's, NY, May 24, 2000, Lot 270 for $6,500.

Property from the Collection of James Grafstein
Condition Report: In good overall condition with minor oxidation and rubbing to the ormolu throughout. Lacking a pendulum.Notwithstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.