A good French Louis XV ormolu quarter repeating 'cartel d'alcove' wall timepiece, case by Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain, circa 1755

12.5-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals, fine foliate pierced and engraved gilt hands, movement with verge escapement and silk suspended pendulum, pull quarter repeating on two bells, well cast and chiselled shaped ormolu case surmounted by a scroll signed St Germain, further scrolled leaves to the sides, glazed lenticle above a foliate scrolled base

Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain (1719-1791), became maître fondeur in 1748, and was juré 1765-1767. He was one of the most celebrated bonziers of his era and the true champion of the rococo style with the incorporation of elements of nature in his works. He produced clock cases and other works in gilt bronze for an exclusive and important clientele. Many of his works are in museums all around the world.

A comparable example by St. Germain is depicted in Ottomeyer & Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1989, pp.117 pl.2.5.12.