A Directoire Ormolu, Enamel and Marble Skeleton Clock circa 1790-5

the white enamel chapter ring surmounted by a displayed eagle, flanked by subsidiary white enamel dials for date and day of the week centered by a plaque inscribed Folin l'aîné, raised on an enamelled arch highlighted with gilt stars ending in fluted ormolu supports abve a rectangular ormolu-mounted white marble base.

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E.F. McCann, sold, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, November 17-21, 1942.

Ormolu with some rubbing and wear consistent with age. Chapter ring slightly loose but in very good condition with only minor wear; subsidiary dials in good condition; chips to corner of signature plaque; marble base with wear including edge chips consistent with age and use; ormolu plaque slightly loose. One key.
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 early part of the Directoire period saw the accelerated production of a number of clocks which were almost entirely composed of enamelled elements.  The abolition of the guilds in 1791 permitted enamellers to sell clocks without giving credit to the clock maker, however this example does incorporate the name of the clockmaker Nicolas-Alexandre Folin (Folin l'aîné), who had been active during the Louis XVI period.  It would appear that Folin collaborated with a particular enameller since an almost identical example, also with a plaque identifying Folin as the clock maker is illustrated, P. Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de la pendule Française, Paris, 1997, p. 320, fig. A