A LOUIS XVI GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED EBONY 'BUREAU À CYLINDRE', STAMPED C.C.SAUNIER AND JME, CIRCA 1775; WITH A GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED EBONY AND TORTOISESHELL 'PARCAE' CLOCK, ATTRIBUTED TO A.-C. BOULLE, LATE LOUIS XIV, CIRCA 1710 |

The bureau: with a grey veined marble top, the veneer on each side with satinwood inlay, the cylinder top opening to reveal two satiné, tulipwood, mahogany and amaranth drawers with bone handles and five recesses, above three lower drawers.The clock: the movement and the dial associated and signed Ageron / A PARIS, the enamels of the dial signed A.N. Martinière, émailleur et penfionnaire du roy 1746; the base of the clock with twisted feet created during the reign of Louis XVI. The clock and the bureau associated circa 1820.

Amazing and rare association of a clock by Boulle (Louis XIV) and a desk by Saunier (Louis XVI). The clock: Impressive and exceptional quality of chasing as expected with a creation by André-Charles Boulle. There are some restorations and also some natural cracks and lifting to the ebony. Some brass inlaid elements are missing and some others need to be refixed. There are lifting to the brass elements, there are losses to the tortoiseshell. One finger is missing to the left figure of the clock. The base of the clock with the twisted gilt bronze feet is Louis XVI but the central semicircle fur element is Louis XIV. As stated in the catalogue, the enameled dial and the mechanism are Louis XV by the clockmaker Ageron and the enamel maker Martinière, circa 1746. The inside of the case has been altered to fit this movement when it has been associated to the Boulle case. The dial is in good condition, but the enamel dial has chips to the winding holes, damage and repair between VII and VIII and other hair cracks around the edge. The pendulum needs to be refixed. One key for the clock. The movement appears to be complete, it is very dirty and is not running, the silk suspension is broken, it will require cleaning and servicing. The three train movement is quarter striking and with count wheels mounted on the backplate. Please note that we do not guarantee the mechanism is in working order, it has to be checked by a professional clock-maker. The 'bureau à cylindre': There are the inevitable minor dents, marks and surface scratches to the veneer. There are chips to the left front foot, under the central drawer and on the upper part of the left side. There are some natural constructions cracks to the cylinder ebony and to the lateral panels. These cracks are horizontal and expected as the ebony is very hard wood with a brittle structure. They are parallel and follow the grain of the wood. One screw is missing to the frieze under the central rosette of the cylinder. One element of the gilt bronze leaves frieze is missing (approx. 3,5 cm). The handles of the cylinder are French Restauration, circa 1820. The handle of the upper left drawer is missing. The left part of the blue marble top needs to be restored (cracked and in three pieces). The association: the clock and the desk have been probably associated in 1820-1830 and it is a perfect example of the Neoclassical revival as it has happened in the 1770's when collectors mixed Louis XIV pieces with contemporary Neoclassical items. The gadroons and eggs gilt bronze border between both clock and desk has been integrated for the association circa 1820. For the association, the marble top has been cut as the pierced gallery. Attractive association with deep contrasts between ebony and gilt bronze. Prestigious provenance.
"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."