Balthazard Mahogany Clock, Gilt Bronze Cherubs, Enamel Dial

This is a 19th century clock from the prestigious Balthazard house in Paris. The first lyre clock models date back to the early 18th century. The success of the lyre clock was very significant under Louis XVI, this present lot derives from the typical models that were declined in numerous versions and materials. The Sèvres factory reports in its archives, around thirty clocks sold between 1786 and the beginning of the 19th century mainly in dark blue or "beautiful blue". Several examples are kept at the Cognac Jay Museum, the Louvre as well as at the Sèvres Ceramics Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Prestigious bronziers such as Thomire and Gouthière also produced versions. This exceptional clock with three dials combines admirable bronze chasing work that betrays great mastery and immense sensitivity. We should also mention the remarkable enamel work. More elaborate and worked than the usual lyre clocks, this present lot is a true masterpiece of watchmaking. A similar clock, lyre-shaped with three dials, surmounted by a mask of Apollo, the movement by Raguet-Lépine, is illustrated in A. Chapiro, Jean-Antoine Lepine, Paris, 1998. The clockmaker who signs the dial "Balthazard" of the lyre could be the son of the clockmaker Henry Balthazar, Noël Balthazar received in 1717. A second hypothesis supposes that it would be Louis-Charles Balthazar received in 1768. The Balthazars in Paris are part of these dynasties of clockmakers who succeeded one another just like the Le Noir or Dugrand-Mesnil. It has a superb blue and white enamel dial, decorated with small stars. The bronzes are of quality, fine chasing pretty gilding. The top part is removed, we find two cherubs holding a flame. The feet are claw feet, we find an Antique decoration. It is a mahogany concerning the wood. The movement is very particular, we find on the top a movement indicating the days and months. The clock is sold as is, not revised, not cleaned, not tested. We report that the pendulum does not hold, note wear and scratches, lacks and traces on the gilding, the left rear foot is damaged, cracks in the wood on the face. Our numerous photos allow you to appreciate the quality of the object. For the condition, please detail the photos. Do not hesitate to zoom. The photos are an integral part of the description. Dimensions: Height: 101 cm Width: 35 cm Depth: 18 cm Dial External diameter: 13 cm Internal diameter: : 10.5 cmH6573