Cartel "à pattes de lion" en marqueterie d'écaille brune, laiton et placage d'ébène d'époque Louis XIV, le cadran signé THURET, le mouvement signé THURET/ A PARIS, la caisse attribuée à André-Charles Boulle

la caisse de forme violonnée sommée d'une Renommée, ornée d'un masque de Silène et d'une coquille, reposant sur des pieds en griffes de lions et enroulements d'acanthe

Vente à Paris, Me Arthur Kohn, le 24 octobre 1996, lot 7

D. Augarde, Les Ouvriers du Temps, Genève, 1996

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall restored condition despite the inevitable scratches and marks due to age and use. A few minor hair cracks to the enamels of the dial. The marquetry has been restored with the usual minor replacements. The female figure was holding a trumpet which is now missing, the bronze edging connecting the figure to the clock case has been replaced. The gilding of the mounts has been cleaned and slightly refreshed. The pendulum and the rewind key are missing. The movement looks complete but we do not guarantee the working of the mechanism.
"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."

Il existe peu d'exemplaire de ce modèle de cartel typique des "caisses en S", l'un, avec sa console d'applique, appartenant à une collection privée est reproduit dans D. Augarde (op. cit. p. 23). Tous possèdent un mouvement de Thuret, il est donc probable que le modèle ait été conçu à l'usage exclusif de cet horloger.

Jacques III Thuret, Horloger du Roi,  fils d'Isaac II Thuret, considéré comme l'un des plus grands horloger de la fin du XVIIe siècle, reprit la place privilégiée  de son père aux Galeries du Louvre en 1694.  Dès 1695, il recevait 300 livres annuelles pour entretenir toutes les pendules des bâtiments tant à Paris qu'à Versailles. Sa collaboration avec André-Charles Boulle est avérèe pour la pendule représentant l'Enlèvement de Cybèle, livrée à la couronne ainsi que pour les pendules au Temps Couché. Il épousa la fille de Jean I Bérain, Dessinateur des Menus Plaisirs du Roi.