A large and rare French Empire ormolu musical sculptural mantel clock, Bourdier fils

11.5-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals signed Bourdier Fils h.ger M.cien, Breguet hands, countwheel bell striking anchor movement with silk suspended pendulum, ormolu case with canted top surmounted by a lyre, central a  high relief with a sculpting putto, flanked by apollo playing a flute, an armorial sphere to the other side, moulded rectangular base with a high relief of putti performing sciences, containing the musical mechanism signed Davrainville No.62, 1816 playing one of twelve melodies on twelve metal organ pipes, raised on engraved toupee feet, ebonized plinth on bun feet

Two works of this maker were shown in the exposition Royal Music Machines, National Museum Van Speelklok tot Pierement. Dr. J.J.L. Haspels, Royal Music machines, vijf eeuwen vorstelijk vermaak, Zutphen, 2006, pp.266 - 270, No. 54 and 55.

dial with chips at both winding holes, hands a little bent, movement able to function but might benefit from a clean, connection lever for the musical mechanism there but the long pin downwards lacking, musical mechanism in working order and restored in 1991 very professionally, case in original condition with some rubbing to the gilding at the sides, top and back of the base, also top of case which Apollo is leaning against is with some rubbing, no dome, pendulum, 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."

Nicholas Davrainville who worked in Paris in the first half of the 19th Century was one of the most celebrated clock- and organ makers of his time. His earliest known piece is an organ numbered 7 and dated 1813. His last known work is numbered 498 and dated 1838. Both are in the National Museum Van Speelklok tot Pierement in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Other works of this celebrated maker are in the Musee du Concervatoire in Brussels, Belgium.