A Louis XVI ormolu mantel clock circa 1786, dial signed Robin Aux Galeries Du Louvre, the movement signed Robin A Paris

the ormolu struck with the number 1275 underneath crowned EL

Marble with very minor abrasions and surface dirt; ormolu with surface dirt, oxidation, and some minor rubbing. Urn finial at top detaches; some ormolu elements on base detach; dial with surface dirt and small 1 inch stratch at top. Glass cover to dial with a later fixture to hold it in place. A very small and minor loss to the wreath below the dial.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The design for this clock is generally attributed to François Vion. A drawing executed by Duplessis is now in the Esmerian Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and shows a basically identical pendule à casolette. Clocks of this model, or with slight modifications, were particularly popular with the French royal family and their closest circle. Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette, Mesdames Victoire and Adélaïde, the Marquis de Sérent, and the Comte de Provence are all known to have owned a clock of this design. Marie-Antoinette owned two examples, one at St. Cloud and one in Paris. Louis XVI purchased one for the Tuilleries in 1789. The most recent to appear at auction was that of the Comte de Provence having been sold French & Company, Christie’s New York, November 24, 1998, lot 14. The dial of the Comte’s version was also signed Robin, but in overall appearance it deviated from the original design as it was surmounted with two doves and not a flaming urn. The clock listed in the inventory (inv. no. 33) of the queen’s apartments matches the lot offered here; it is of the same size, utilizes the same marble and is signed by Robin. In fact, the dials on all known models are signed by Robin, which suggests that this particular clock maker had a monopoly on this model. The bronzier responsible for the fine ormolu work of these clocks is not known, but it has been suggested that it was the fondeur-ciseleur Jean-Jacques Lemoyne, see Jean-Dominique Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, s.n., 1996, p. 262. Other pendules à casolette of this exact model include one in the Swedish Royal Collection and one in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.