Superb Early French Ormolu Clock
Jean-Francois Galaup Lapérouse

~ French - Circa 1860 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

A fine and early original antique French ormolu (gilded bronze) clock depicting the celebrated French explorer Captain Jean-Francois Galaup Lapérouse (1741-1788). It is based loosely on the painting by Nicolas-André Monsiau, currently in the Chateau de Versailles (see below). Lapérouse was appointed in 1785 by Louis XVI to lead an expedition around the world, this ultimately ended in tragedy with his ships wrecked on Vanikoro, part of the islands of Santa Cruz. The Captain is seated next to the clock with a globe in front of him, his log of discoveries is to his right elbow.  

He is beautifully and finely depicted. It is exquisitely detailed and of excellent quality, being gilded bronze rather then the more usual gilt spelter. The original gilding is in stunning condition with hardly any wear and has a lovely bright and clean finish. The clock has a swept base with scroll feet and naval symbols of an anchor to the front.   

 
Louis XVI giving Lapérouse his instructions, painting by Monsiaux

The dial is enamel on copper with original blued steel breguet hands and floral bezel. This type of clock does not have a glazed bezel or a rear door.

The French movement is of high quality. It is the earlier version of Pendule De Paris movement with outside hammer return spring. It is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is a replacement. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!

Condition of the case is stunning, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any wear or discolouration and there are no losses. We have gently removed years of grime to reveal the original gilding beneath. The dial is also in excellent condition with no damage.

 
Retailers mark on the movement backplate

A stunning, original, early ormolu clock to add to your collection!

Complete with pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.