AN ORMOLU AND PATINATED-BRONZE MOUNTED, WHITE AND BLACK MARBLE MUSICAL AND AUTOMATON MANTEL CLOCK, LOUIS XVI, PARIS, CIRCA 1784, THE MECHANISM BY JEAN-BAPTISTE-ANDRÉ FURET AND FRANÇOIS-LOUIS GODON, THE GILT-BRONZE BASE ATTRIBUTED TO ETIENNE MARTINCOURT |

the head wearing a turban with plumed feathers, the eyes indicating the hours and the minutes, the draped bust with a quiver and a bow to the back and a floral garland sash across the front, the pedestal on a stepped gilt bronze and marble breakfront base flanked by putti, the base enclosing an organ, the gilt bronze mounts depicting children playing with a dog in the clouds, vases with flowers, the sides with caduceus and petasus, on toupee feet, the movement signed FURET ET GAUDON HORLOGERS DU ROI under the turban and Furet et Godon horlogers Du Roi, a Paris in front of the musical cylinder

Exceptional model in fairly good condition. Very detailed and documented provenance which emphasizes the rarity of the piece. The gilt-bronze mounts of the best quality. Very attractive chasing, many naturalistic details, all perfectly chased (feathers, flowers, clothes) and definitely made by one of the best bronziers; the elements of the base are certainly by Martincourt. Two or three pearls are missing at the end of the necklace. Two garlands of flowers held by the putti are missing. The earrings may be original. The end of a ribbon on the left side of the base is broken and missing. The gilt-bronzes will benefit from a slight cleaning as there are some traces of old brownish varnish (which can be easily removed). Almost certainly some refreshments to the patina of the face, the red lips and the white of the eyes. The marble base with minor chips to the edges and one minor crack refilled on the left edge of the central panel marble frame. The movement is dirty and is not in running condition. It will require full restoration and careful setting up. The connection between the timepiece and musical movement is completely missing and has been for a long time. The timepiece movement has had some alterations and there are many spare holes in the plates that are difficult to explain but this may possibly be original experimentation. On the woman face, her right eye indicates the hours, whereas her left eye indicates only the even numbers of the minutes (please note that on page 71 in the printed catalogue, the numbers in the eyes are not accurate and that they have been retouched on the photograph to celebrate a date). The musical movement has 10 pipes to the organ and has had some restoration in the past which would need to be reviewed, it is not in running condition and will require complete restoration. Iconic work of art for its aesthetic quality and mechanical complexity, highlighted by its documented provenance since 1784.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
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."