Henry Dasson A GILT-BRONZE, EBONY, ENGRAVED BRASS AND RED TORTOISESHELL MANTLE CLOCK AFTER THE CELEBRATED MODEL ATTRIBUTED TO ANDRÉ-CHARLES BOULLE PARIS, circa 1890

the movement numbered 727, signed and dated henry Dasson et. Cie ....on the back of the shell.

P. Hughes, The Wallace Collection: Catalogue of Furniture, Vol. I, pp. 354-9;  and Tardy, French Clocks: The World Over, p. 235, for illustrations of the 18th century model by André-Charles Boulle.

H. Ottomeyer and P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Vol. I, p. 46; and G. de Bellaigue, The James A De Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor: Furniture Clocks and Gilt Bronzes, Vol. I, p. 61, for illustrations of a variant model with the seated Venus holding a flower garland.

J. D. Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, Geneva, p. 110.

A. Pradère, French Furniture Makers, p. 6.

Overall in very good condition, traces of tarnishing and oxidation to the gilt bronze in few places, the carcass with the usual minor scratches and dents consistent with age and use, please note that the Henry Dasson bears a date that is impossible to read without removing the gilt-bronze shell mount.
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 present celebrated model is a copy of one of the original models attributed to André-Charles Boulle (d. 1735), now in the Wallace Collection. It is believed to be one of three known clocks. The attribution to Boulle is based on the 1715 acte de délaissement to his four sons stating: 'Une boëte de pandulle historiée d'une Vénus avec son amour dont il n'y a que le corps de la boëte fait, les bronzes n'etant que moulées et prêtes à fondre, commandée, valant avec trois autres boettes de pandulle dans le même état...2500l'  (see J. P. Samoyault, André-Charles Boulle et sa Famillle, Geneva, 1979, p. 6).

Compare with a similar Dasson clock dated 1892, sold, Sotheby's, New York, A Private Collection Vol II, April 19, lot 173, $126,000.