A gilt-bronze-mounted tortoiseshell and brass marquetry cartel clock, French Régence, circa 1720, after Gilles-Marie Oppenordt

the bracket signed THURET, the movement signed Thuret AParis, with the inscription at the back Appartenant à Madame la baronne Lejeune / 11 nov. 1927

Former collection of the Baroness Marguerite Lejeune, born Murat (1886-1956)

Then by descent

Related literature:

- H. Ottomeyer, P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, Vol. I, p. 754, fig. 1.11.3

- Tardy, La Pendule Française, 1st part, Paris, 1974, p. 128 (probably our lot)

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall condition despite the inevitable scratches and marks due to age and use. There is a minor chip to the enamel of the cartouche of the dial. A few minor restorations to the tortoiseshell veneer. The gilding has been gently cleaned. The movement looks complete but we do not guarantee the working of the mechanism. Very elegant clock.
"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."

Jacques-Augustin Thuret (1669-1739), son of Isaac, was clock maker to the King and established at the Louvre in 1694. He frequently worked with André-Charles Boulle, also established at the Louvre.

This beautiful cartel clock is inspired by an engraving by Gilles-Marie Oppenordt, dated 1715, in the collections of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York. We find the same bracket and the same shaping to the case. Oppenordt's projects were often too complicated for a bronze worker to realize and they were simplified, which could have applied to the design of our model. However, the rooster motifs are more reminiscent of André-Charles Boulle's work who used it on other models including a longcase clock illustrated in one of his engraved prints from his portfolio published by Mariette. Hans Ottomeyer, op. cit., attributes the model of our cartel to André-Charles Boulle.