Characterful gold ormolu figural mantel clock with gardening theme
The jaunty gardener tales a rest…antique gold ormolu by Richond et fils of Paris
Date: Early 19th Century
Movement: French two train countwheel striking on a bell with silk suspension
Height: 40 cm (15 ¾ inches).
Width: 26 cm (10 ¼ inches)
Depth: 10 cm (4 inches)
French figural mantel clocks were often strongly themed; some with serious messages and some less so. We don’t often come across one with such a lighthearted and good natured theme.
This is a ‘good-time’ clock. The maker, Richond of Paris, was having fun and wanted his customer to enjoy it too. The figural centrepiece is a jaunty gardener taking a rest, no doubt from a long day (or five minutes) in the garden. He is a leaning on the clock under the shade of a palm tree, shading his eyes from the sun. Well we’ve all done it haven’t we? He looks like he hasn’t done a stroke of work in his life.
On the other side of the clock dial is his watering can and his spade leaning against the clock. He clearly hasn’t used them and is far too busy sunning himself. But there are some flowers too so all is not lost.
The case is made from gilded bronze, or ormolu. There is relatively little wear to the workmanlike gilding. The figural elements are mounted above a rococo scroll moulded base with scroll feet. The dial itself is made from white enamel with Roman hour numerals, with blued steel hands, all within a concentric bead cast moulded bezel.
The movement is a typically high quality French twin-train, eight day movement with outside countwheel striking on a small and pleasant-sounding bell at the back of the movement. These movements were very well made and kept good time and this one is no exception. It has been restored, cleaned and serviced in our workshops. The pendulum is suspended on silk with a regulating adjustment at the front of the dial. The maker, Richond, has signed the movement back plate which also bears the reference number EK36. This is consistently used on a number of the components and the movement bezel. Everything matches and has been together for nearly 200 years. .
The overall height of the clock is just over 40 cm (15 ¾ inches). It is 26 cm (10 ¼ inches) wide and measures just 10 cm (4 inches) from front to back. It is available for sale at £2,350.
Southern Clocks is always delighted to set up our clocks and provide assistance in helping new owners live with their clocks. To enquire about this clock please contact jd@southernclocks.co.uk or telephone +44 (0) 1483 200503.