Rare Gilded Bronze "sun" Skeleton Clock, Signed Deverberie In Paris – Consulate Period

A rare and elegant Consulate-era skeleton clock, circa 1800–1804, crafted from finely chiseled and gilded bronze, resting on a rectangular white marble base.

The ring-shaped dial, made of white enamel and featuring Arabic numerals, bears the signature “Deverberie in Paris, Rue Barbette, No. 483”, the address of Jean-Simon Deverberie (1764–1824), a renowned Parisian bronze artist and clockmaker who operated at this address in the early 19th century.

The openwork dial reveals the movement’s gears, as well as two elegant, finely crafted hands. It is surmounted by a spectacular radiating sun in gilded bronze, centered on a female face with wavy hair, rendered in the style of the great allegorical compositions of the late 18th century.

On either side of the movement rise two openwork gilded bronze uprights, richly decorated with floral bouquets, foliage, ribbons, and scrollwork. Each is adorned with an oval medallion depicting a female figure seated in the classical style, rendered in bas-relief.

The entire piece rests on an elegant stepped structure, accented by beaded friezes, revealing at its center a pendulum with openwork decoration featuring plant motifs and two birds. The white marble top is supported by four gilded bronze spindle legs.

This clock is distinguished by the lightness of its architectural composition, the delicacy of its ornamentation, and the prominence of its solar motif, characteristic of the neoclassical style of the Directoire-Consulat period.

Period: Consulate, circa 1800–1804.

Origin: Paris, France.

Signature: Deverberie in Paris, 483 Rue Barbette.

Materials: chiseled and gilded bronze, enamel, and white marble.

Condition: the bronzes and their gilding are in good overall condition, with signs of age and wear. The enamel dial has several cracks. The hour hand is broken. The movement is currently non-functional and requires restoration by a clockmaker, including an inspection and likely replacement of the springs. The clock is sold as-is, with no guarantee of functionality.

A beautiful collector’s clock, featuring a rare decorative design, bearing the signature of one of the great names in Parisian clockmaking at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries.