A large ormolu-mounted turtleshell boulle bracket clock, Thiout Le Jeune, Paris, Louis XV circa 1745

12½-inch twenty-five piece enamel cartouch dial signed Thiout Le Jeune A Paris, similarly signed rectangular plated movement with five knopped pillars, verge escapement with silk suspension and outside numbered count wheel striking on the top mounted bell, the waisted case veneered with brown 'shell inlaid with brass and outlined with crisply cast leaf and shell rococo mounts, a seated putto on the cresting and a Chinaman with a mandolin, bird and another figure on the lower door edge; the conforming bracket similarly decorated with rococo mounts

Dial has hair cracks to the centre and to numeral X, restoration to the 20 minute plaque. Movement complete but much in need of a clean. Case with good original gilding to the mounts, some cracking to the turtleshell and some losses to the inlay throughout. Bracket as the case. With pendulum, detached hammer, winder, non-related spear but no 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."

The maker of this clock is Nicolas Thiout, known as le Jeune. He was received as a Master clock maker in 1733. His brother Antoine was also a clockmaker.