Lot 84
  • 84

A Louis XV gilt-bronze, bronze and Vernis Martin musical rhinoceros table clock, circa 1748, attributed to Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain

Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 GBP
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Description

  • Oak, bronze, brass, steel, enamel
  • 74cm.; 29in. high
5½-inch enamel dial signed Gudin A Paris with blue roman numerals, the similarly signed bell striking movement with numbered uncut outside count wheel and silk suspension, the drum case surmounted by a seated putto and raised on the back of a crisply cast brown patinated rhinoceros standing on a rocaille base, the bombé wood plinth painted to resemble tortoiseshell and outlined with well-cast gilt-bronze leaf mounts, inset with trellis frets and applied at the front with a rococo mount of a basket of flowers, the similarly signed musical movement connected to the the clock through the leg of the animal and playing one a thirteen tunes on a carillon of eleven bells with twenty hammers at the hour, the mounts stamped with the crowned 'C' poinçon mark

Condition

The dial has chips around both winding holes but otherwise good, good original hands. The clock movement is complete and looks and though it would run but may benefit from a clean, striking hammer replaced, repair to music trip arm. Musical movement is complete and running at time of cataloguing but would benefit from a clean, one hammer missing. Case in generally good condition and has been cleaned and restored in the past, vernis martin probably refreshed, old scuffs, marks and light scratches to rhinoceros patination, mounts appear to retain much of the original gilding, generally good throughout. With pendulum, winder and case key.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain was elected as a maître-fondeur on July 15, 1748; Saint-Germain enjoyed the privilege of an ouvrier libre, enabling him to act both as an ébéniste and bronzier. He was incontestably one of the principal exponents of the rococo style and created clock cases of extraordinary inventiveness and quality. This model of Rhinoceros is known to have been produced by Saint-Germain and is based on an early 16th century woodcut by Albrecht Durer identified by the extra horn at the withers.

The inventory drawn up upon the death of Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain's wife in 1747, mentions 'deux pendules au rhinoceros l'une pour modèle et l'autre finie prisées ensembles la somme de 140 l.'. This then signifies that the earliest version of a mantel clock with a rhinoceros base dates to before 1747.

The C Couronné poinçon was a tax mark employed on any alloy containing copper between March 1745 and February 1749.