An important French Louis XVI ormolu sculptural mantel clock, case attributed to Osmond

11.5-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals signed Frederic Duval A Paris, fine foliate pierced and engraved gilt hands, similarly signed flat bottomed countwheel bell striking movement with tic-tac escapement and silk suspended pendulum, finely cast and chiseled ormolu case surmounted by flambeau urn with trailing garlands, flanked by two cherubs on clouds symbolizing sciences, moulded break front base adorned with rosettes and foliate scrolls, raised on fluted column feet, break front ebonized base with applied ormolu foliate mounts

Illustrated P. Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de La Pendule Française, du moyen age au XXe siècle, Paris, 1997, p. 238.

dial and hands in good and original condition, movement recently cleaned and in very good condition, pendulum not fitting, case of very good quality and recently cleaned, gilding in good condition, a few patches thin, wood base with rubbed edges, possibly replaced wood but base has age and mounts of the period, together with a pendulum
"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."

Robert Osmond became maître-fondeur in 1746 and was an important member of the founders guilt of which he became the foreman in 1756. Befriended with Caffiéri he was one of the first to adapt and promote the 'Classical Style'. His nephew Jean- Baptiste Osmond who became master in 1768 worked closely with him and continued the business after Robert's death in 1789. Among the clientéle of the Osmonds was the avantgarde of French society. They provided clock cases for makers such as Lepaute, Hilgers, Berthoud and in this case, Fédéric Duval. Lit.: J.D. Augarde, Les ouvriers du temps, Geneva, 1996; p. 130. Ottomeyer & Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, part I, p. 176-177, part II, 537-547.