A fine gilt-bronze and patinated bronze mantel clock signed LACROIX / A PARIS Louis XV

the white enamel dial with bue Roman numerals, the movement and the dial signed LACROIX A PARIS, the drum case surmounted by a monkey handeling an umbrella, raised on the back of an elephant with raised trunk, on a shaped rocaille base cast with applied flowers and snail and lizzard

Sold Paris Ader, Picard, Tajan, December 17 1983, lot T

Dial has some chips to right winding hole, otherwise good, minute hand repaired. Later associated English fusee and chain movement with anchor escapement, spuriously signed on the back plate as the dial, movement needs clean, service and overhaul. The case retaining original gilding and patination, arm of monkey and parasol detached, trellis fret to back door detached. With English pendulum but no winder.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."

Jean-Baptiste Baillon, clockmaker to Queen Marie Leczinska 1751, and lter to Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Clocks mounted on the back of exotic animals became extremely popular after about 1749.  Baillon provided movements for a number of such clocks, identical or virtually identical to the offered lot.

An identical example with movement by Baillon is in the Residenz, Bemberg, reproduced, Vergoldete Bronzen,  1986, Vol. I, p. 124, fig. 2.8.5.  Aother fitted with an ormolu elephant was sold, Sotheby's London, June 26, 1964, lot 77, reproduced.  A third example, once in the collection of the Duc de Mortemart, the case surmounted by a dog and a bird, was sold from the collection of Mrs. Anna Thomson Dodge, Christie's London, June 24, 1971, lot 39, reproduced.  A fourth example, the case surmounted by a putto and raised on a musical movement is reproduced, Britten, Old Clocks and Watches, 1973, p. 215, pl. 144.