Lucien Falize. A silver-gilt and gold mounted carved ivory gothic revival carriage clock, French, circa 1878

silver-gilt dial, the centre pierced and chased with intertwined dragons, repeating gong striking movement with silvered plates, replaced lever platform escapement, going and striking trains tandem-wound by a single folding integral winder, signed on the backplate Hry Lioret, Bté S.G.D.G., 3 rue de Turbigo, Paris, the rectangular case of square section, the front carved with a scene depicting the Annunciation surround by the Latin text Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae, each side carbed with six roundels within gothic tracery and depicting the allegorical figures for the twelve months, each titled in Latin, the rear with a small door giving access to the movement above a scene of two women kneeling before an altar and inscribed Vigilate quia nefcitis diem neque horam, the top with a dragon handle and pierced dragon panel surroundd by tracery, the whole linked by silver-gilt straps with gold pins, the base with an elaborately carved Falize monogram, AFL and quaerens invenio, to the centre and a red lozenge surrounding AXF,

Dial in good condition. Movement would run at cataloguing but would benefit from a clean and fresh oil, platform escapement is replaced, hammer repaired. Case has some old minor cracks and repairs to the ivory panels but otherwise generally very good.
"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."

Lucien Falize was born in Paris in 1837 the son of Alexis Falize who had arrived in Paris in 1833 and established himself as a jeweller and enameller. Lucien trained under his father and researched enamels, jewellery and works of art in the Louvre. Father and son became widely known for the very fine quality of their work with Lucien continuing the business when his father retired in 1876.

The influence of Lucien's study and interest in medieval works of art can clearly be seen in this present clock. Undoubtedly of exhibition quality and with the very finest attention to detail, it is almost certainly the clock exhibited in Paris at the Exposition Universelle in 1878 and described as the Angelus. At a later date similar examples were produced in silver.  Another gothic-inspired clock in gold, hardstones and enamel is now in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.