A French gilt-bronze-mounted brass inlaid ebony and ebonised boulle marquetry barometer clock, Henry Dasson et Cie, Paris, dated 1890

7-inch twelve-piece cartouche enamel dial, square plated bell striking movement with Brocot escapement, stamped for Samuel Marti, Bourdon-type aneroid barometer movement by Richard Freres No. 19616, the shaped case surmounted by the figure of Chronos, applied with leaf sprays to the corners, flanking a mask above the barometer dial with weather indications, the tapered trunk applied with an alcohol thermometer, the step-moulded base signed Henry Dasson et Cie 1890, with foliate terminal

Dial in good condition, minute hand repaired. Clock movement appears to be complete but would benefit from a clean. Barometer movement is complete but very dirty and in need of restoration. Case in generally very good original condition, very minor cracks to veneers, gilding in good condition. With 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. 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."

Comparative Literature:
H. Ottomeyer/P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Vol. I, Munich, 1986, p. 49, fig. 1.5.3, where the original model for this clock barometer stated to be probably by André-Charles Boulle is illustrated with the dial signed Gaudron à Paris (Astronomisch-Physikalisches Kabinett U 70).

An almost identical 19th century clock barometer to the offered lot signed Dasson and dated 1891 was sold in these Rooms, 1st October 2008, lot 328 (£25,000).

Henry Dasson:
Henry Dasson (1825-1896),106 rue Vielle-du-Temple was an important furniture maker using the finest mounts with high quality mercury gilding. He specialized in copies of eighteenth century models, mainly in Louis XV and XVI styles, as well as pieces of his own modified eighteenth century design. Numerous objects d'art, including wall-lights and candlesticks have been recorded and he became one of the foremost Parisian ébéniste-bronziers and his work was widely in demand particularly for the quality of his mercury gilded bronzes. He exhibited at both the 1878 and 1889 Paris Exhibitions Universelles winning the coveted Grand Prix Artistique for his display. Dasson closed down his business in 1894, selling remaining stock in the traditional way at auction.