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Here's a 19th-century clock from the prestigious Balthazard firm in Paris.
The first lyre clocks date back to the early 18th century. The lyre clock was very successful under Louis XVI, and this lot derives from typical models that came in many versions and materials. In its archives, the Sèvres Manufactory records some thirty clocks sold between 1786 and the early 19th century, mainly in dark blue or "beau bleu". Several examples are in the Musée Cognac Jay, the Louvre, the Musée de la Céramique de Sèvres and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Prestigious bronziers such as Thomire and Gouthière also produced versions.
This exceptional three-dial clock combines admirable chasing of the bronzes, betraying great mastery and immense sensitivity. The enamel work is also remarkable. More elaborate and elaborate than the usual lyre clocks, this lot is a true masterpiece of horology. 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 watchmaker who signs the dial "Balthazard" on the lyre could be the son of the watchmaker Henry Balthazar, Noël Balthazar, received in 1717. A second hypothesis is that he is Louis-Charles Balthazar, received in 1768. The Balthazars in Paris are one of a succession of watchmaking dynasties, like the Le Noir and Dugrand-Mesnil families.
It features a superb blue and white enamel dial, decorated with small stars. The bronzes are of the highest quality, with fine chasing and attractive gilding. Two cherubs holding a flame can be seen at the top. The feet are claw feet, decorated in the Antique style. The wood is mahogany.
The movement is very special, with a movement on the top indicating the days and months.
The clock is sold as is, unrevised, uncleaned and untested. The pendulum does not hold, there is wear and scratches, the gilding is missing and marked, the left rear foot is damaged, and there are cracks in the wood on the face.
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Dimensions :
Height : 101 cm
Width : 35 cm
Depth: 18 cm
Dial
Outside diameter: 13 cm
Inner diameter: 10.5
E: H6573
Ref: SB89A2O4E4