A FINE FRENCH LOUIS XV ORMOLU MOUNTED TORTOISHELL QUARTER-STRIKING BRACKET CLOCK WITH WALL BRACKET The movement signed for Gaudron, Paris, third quarter of the 18th century The triple train going barrel movement with five shouldered-baluster pillars pinned through the backplate enclosing large diameter spring barrels and five wheel trains, the going train now with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the strike train with vertical hammer arbor sounding on a bell mounted within the superstructure of the case opposing the quarter train ting-tang sounding on a graduated pair of bells, the backplate with low position numbered hour and quarter countwheels flanking engraved signature Gaudron, AParis to lower margin, the 9.5 inch circular white enamel convex Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes to outer track and fine scroll pierced and engraved hands set behind a hinged ogee moulded cast gilt brass convex glazed bezel. The waisted case veneered in finely figured red stained shell with gilt twin handled urn surmount to the ogee-shaped upstand applied with acanthus cast mounts to angles, the front with tied ribbon husk decorated shaped arched crest incorporating scroll-pierced frieze above the dial and with hinged shield-shaped glazed lenticle adorned with husks swags and floral blooms beneath, the angles applied with husk draped openwork mounts to shoulders, the sides with repeating rosette decorated engraved arched diamond lattice frets within foliate cast gilt surrounds, on integral acanthus scroll cast feet with conforming aprob between; with original wall bracket of cavetto form with scrolling frieze adorned with central ribbon bow and husk swags over conforming angle mounts and open-work inverted caddy-shaped base fitted with leafy pendant finial. The clock 74cm (29ins) high, 35cm (13.75ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep; the clock and wall bracket 100cm (39.5ins) high overall. Provenance: The property of a private collector, north London; purchased at Bonhams, London sale of Fine Clocks 8th July 2015 (lot 70) for £3,750. The movement of the current lot is almost certainly by Pierre or Antoine (II) Gaudron who succeeded their esteemed father, Antoine (I) Gaudron, who is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working from around 1675. In 1689 Antoine senior was established at Place Dauphine at `La Perle` and then at `La Renommee` in 1709. He died a wealthy man in 1714. Condition Report: As catalogued the movement has been converted from verge escapement with silk suspension to anchor escapement with spring suspension incorporating Brocot type regulation. Other than the conversion of the escapement the movement appears to be all-original with no signififcant replacements. The going train will run and both the hour and quarter trains are in working condition however they are currently not being 'tripped'/released when the hands are advanced (a 'click' can be heard suggesting that the release mechanism is present) hence slight adjustment to the under-dial work is all that is probably required to bring back to working condition. The dial has slight chipping to the centre and right winding holes as well as some wear around the securing screws at the circumference - the latter cannot be seen when the bezel is closed. There is also some slight hairline cracks near the edges at 12, 3 and 9 o'clock; - these are small and can only be seen on very close examination. The hands are very nicely made and are in fine condition. The case is generally in fine condition with faults very much limited to some minor cracks to the tortoiseshell veneers. The side frets are a little dented but can be easily straightened by hand. The gilding to the mounts is strong with only light patchy discolouration in places. The tiny small oval protrusion to the left hand shoulder mount is detached but present with the clock. The bracket is missing a section of curved brass which was applied to the left hand side of the upstand - this is not really visible when the clock is assembled hence is not particularly problematic. Clock has pendulum, winder and case key. Condition Report Disclaimer