A gilt-bronze mounted white marble clock, Louis XVI, the dial signed Pochon/A PARIS and Coteau

the enameled dial surmounted by a gilt-bronze vase and supported by a lion, the stepped base with military trophies, berried garlands and a painted medallion depicting a maiden, on a rectangular marble base ending in toupie feet  

Related literature:
- J.-D. Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, Paris, 1996, p. 373, fig. 273
- J.-D. Augarde, « Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain », in L'Estampille L'Objet d'Art, décembre 1996, p. 77, fig. 21
- P. Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de la pendule française, Paris, 1997 pp. 278-279
- H. Ottomeyer and P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen Die Bronzearbeiten des Spätbarock und Klassizismus, Munich, vol. 1, 1986, p. 192, fig. 3.11.3
- Tardy, La pendule française, Paris, vol. 2, 1949, p. 235, ill. 2

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate despite being a little bit too orange. Good overall condition. The gilding is very slightly rubbed and tarnished. There is one surface scratch to the glass of the dial. There is one minor chip near the upper keyhole of the dial, with the letters A and R inscribed with an ink slightly erased. The white marble base is slightly yellowish. One pearl frieze element is missing on the back of the marble base. The pendulum needs to be refixed. Please note that we do not guarantee that the mechanism is in working order.
"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."

According to Hans Ottomeyer and Peter Pröschel, the model of the present clock with a lion figure can be likened to several drawings. The first is a drawing by François Vion and Pierre-Antoine Foullet which is preserved in the Jacques Doucet Library (ill in H. Ottomeyer, vol.1, p.193, fig 3.11.6). A second drawing, also kept in the Doucet library, comes from the Livre de desseins (number 58) and patented by François Violet. It is from this last drawing that our clock is designed.

This model was also used by the bronze caster, Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain, who attained Master in 1735 and who is renowned for producing clocks with animal figures. A clock sold on the London art market (Ibid., P.192, Fig. 3.11.3) is almost identical to ours. Another similar piece was sold Sotheby's, Monaco, 27 and 28 June 1998, lot 298.