A gilt and lacquered bronze cartel clock, Louis XV, circa 1745-1749

the case with  C-couronné poinçon, the movement signed Charles Balthazar à Paris (the dial replaced)

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. The gilt-bronze: The gilding is rubbed and tarnished with some verdigris traces. There is a restoration with a new piece of gilt-bronze to the lower and right part of the lower blind cartouche. The dial: As stated in the catalogue, the dial has been changed as well as the glass circle and its mount. There are some hairline cracks and chips to the border and one major chip near 6'. There are restorations with painting. The lacquer: The lacquer of the Chinese is slightly rubbed and tarnished with some minor chips. Please note that we do not guarantee 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."

This wall clock is one of the few known examples of aux chinois gilt-bronze cartel clocks. Unlike others, it is surmounted by a lacquered bronze Chinese figurine. A similar clock can be seen in the famous miniature watercolour showing Countess Ulla Tessin in her Chamber (Salon de la comtesse Ulla Tessin), executed by Olof Fridsberg (1728–1795).

Among the referenced gilt-bronze aux chinois models, one should mention: 

- one pictured in H. Ottomeyer, P. Pröschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, p. 119, fig. 2.6.4,

- a second illustrated in P. Kjellberg, Encyclopédie de la Pendule française, Paris, 1997, pp. 106-107, fig. C,

- and a third in the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris (INV no. 8587).

The C-couronné mark was a tax stamp used in Paris between March 1745 and February 1749 on metal objects made of alloys containing copper.