An attractive French Empire ormolu and enamel striking portico mantel regulator with calendar, Hubert à Paris circa 1815

15.5-cm enamel chapter ring with Roman numerals signed on the reverse 2151 I Béchot for the enameler, inner date marking and outer half-seconds callibration, pierced gilt hands, steel date pointer and sweep seconds, polychrome enamel moonphase with moon date above, countwheel bell striking movement with pinwheel escapement mounted on the backplate, knife-edge suspended gridiron sunburst pendulum with beat adjustment to the crutch, the whole supported by four engraved ormolu arched supports with an enamel signature plaque signed Hubert à Paris, rectangular base with applied lyre and butterfly mounts incorporating an arched classical relief, raised on engraved bun feet, under a glass dome on a gilt wood plinth

chapter ring in good condition, hour hand repaired, sweep seconds probably replaced, movement recently cleaned and in working order and good condition, case also recently cleaned and gilding in good condition, top of base might be regilt but colour matches the rest, signature plaque refinished, right front support shortened probably to accommodate a better click for the date hand, 4 unidentified small holes at the back of the dial plate indicate that there might have been a glass front cover, clock is in shop condition with some restorations but all well done, later dome and wood plinth made for this clock, should be a very good timekeeper, together with a pendulum and winder
"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."

A comparable clock is depicted in Heuer & Maurice, Europäische Pendeluhren, Dekorative Instrumente der Zeitmessung, pp.88.

There are several clockmakers named Hubert listed in Paris at the start of the 19th century. The signature probably refers to Hubert recorded working at the Rue Haumerie in 1812. In this same year Béchot was recorded working as enameler at Rue de la Huette. Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, pp. 37, 312.