A fine and large Louis XV ormolu table clock, Joseph De Menay, Paris, the case attributed to Charles Cressent, the enamel dial by Jacques Decla, circa 1750

8¾-inch enamel dial signed Joseph De Menay A Paris, inscribed to the reverse Decla, finely pierced and engraved gilt hands, five-pillar movement with numbered outside cout wheel striking on a bell, later conversion to anchor escapement and steel suspension, signed on the backplate Jph De Menay A Paris, the waisted case surmounted by a winged cherub above boldly cast and chased floral and foliate scrolls 

Alexandre Pradere, Charles Cressent, Dijon 2003, pages 295-297

Dial has hair cracks from XII to V, XI to VII multiple plus edge damage around IX, hands in good condition. Movement is complete but much in need of a clean, later English conversion to anchor escapement with French steel suspension and adjustment. Case is very dirty and with some cracks to the oak carcass but otherwise in generally good condition. With 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.

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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."

Charles Cressent was one of the foremost ebenistes of the first half of the 18th Century. He trained as both a sculptor and furniture maker.  This clock case is the second of two recorded versions and both versions were available with or without a bracket support.  Little is known of the enameler Jacques Decla but he was working in Paris by 1742.  He was in trouble in 1764 when it was discovered that he was both painting and enameling and his stock was confiscated. However, the following year his stock was returned when it was established that he was a member of both guilds. Another clock dial signed by Decla is in the Getty Museum. There appears to be no record of the clockmaker Joseph De Menay. An almost identical clock but lacking the cresting was sold by Sotheby's in the Mentmore Sale, 18th May 1977, Lot 136.