A DIRECTOIRE ORMOLU AND ROUGE GRIOTTE MARBLE MANTEL CLOCK
CIRCA 1795
Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 5,670
Estimate
USD 7,000 - USD 10,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
Closed: 22 Oct 2024
Loading details
A DIRECTOIRE ORMOLU AND ROUGE GRIOTTE MARBLE MANTEL CLOCK
Jean-Baptiste Dubuc (1743-1817), active from 1786 and maître-horloger to the Comte d’Artois, brother of Louis XVI, is most famous for his ormolu clock cases for the American market in commemoration of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, although recent scholarship has proposed that some of these may have been produced by his older brother, Jacques Nicolas Pierre François Dubuc. Interestingly, Jean-Baptiste Dubuc is recorded as a member of several Masonic lodges in Paris from 1775 and is believed to have been a prominent freemason, like Washington and Franklin. Several instances of the Washington model exist in the market, including an example from the collection of Senator Frank Lautenberg sold at Christie's, New York, 22 September 2014, lot 87 ($137,000); another sold at Christie's, New York, 25 September 2013, lot 118 ($219,750); and another at Christie's, New York, 3 October 2007, lot 120 ($205,000).
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
More from
Collections: Including Property from Three Northeast Collectors, Glenn C. Randall, Dr Jeffrey Lant, and Peter Van Slyke
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
161⁄2 in. (42 cm.) high, 171⁄2 in. (44.5 cm.) wide, 5 in. (13 cm.) deep
Please note: Christie's does not guarantee the working condition of clocks.
In good overall condition. The ormolu retaining its original mercury gilding, with some minor surface scratches, casting flaws, verdigris and rubbing, as to be expected. The javelin and the foliage behind the hound each of a different tone from the rest of the ormolu, possibly replacements. Each of the masks at the base slightly loose, could benefit from slight tightening. The dial touched up, its surface with a clear spray. The marble in good condition, some light scratches, scuffs, small chips, minor repairs and small areas of infill consistent with age and handling. The bell replaced, signed inside 'J. LINDSAY RESTORATIONS / LONDON 5E8 / DUBUC L'AINE A PARIS / WELL ECI DIW', and the reverse with a later clear glass panel exposing the movement.
Cost calculator
Lot 2Sale 23085
CIRCA 1795A DIRECTOIRE ORMOLU AND ROUGE GRIOTTE MARBLE MANTEL CLOCKEstimate: USD 7,000 - 10,000
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid