A FINE FRENCH LOUIS XV ORMOLU MOUNTED 'VERNIS MARTIN' BRACKET CLOCK WITH WALL BRACKET The dial signed for Guerbois, Paris, the case stamped for Jacques Dubois, Paris, mid 18th century The two train movement with four column-turned pillars pinned through the backplate, verge escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum with silk suspension and outside countwheel hour striking sounding on a bell mounted within the superstructure of the case, the 11 inch circular twenty-five piece enamel cartouche dial signed GUERBOIS, APARIS to the circular white enamel centre within blue on white Roman hour numerals and scroll cast gilt borders incorporating conforming Arabic five minute cartouche numerals to outer track, the waisted mid green painted case with generous scroll pierced surmount to the swept superstructure painted with sprays of roses between applied gilt scroll cast angle mounts above elaborate rococo crest and shaped glazed foliate-border cast door applied with bold leafy apron mount incorporating a recumbent Ho-Ho bird, within leafy trail painted surround applied with further scroll mounts to angles and with tall brass-edged inset arched windows within conforming painted field to sides, on four generous cast scroll feet with apron between, stamped IDUBOIS beside JME monogram to top beneath superstructure and JME twice again to rear, with matching original floral spray painted ogee-shaped wall bracket with shallow cavetto upstand to table above 'S' scroll cast frieze and rococo scroll mounts to apron and front angles over conforming cast pendant to base. The clock 97cm (38.25ins) high, 44cm (17.25ins) wide, 21cm (8.25) ins deep; the clock and wall bracket 133.5cm (52.5ins) high overall. Provenance: The property of a private collector, North London; purchased in these rooms 17th March 2015 (lot 56) for £3,800 hammer. Louis-Denis Guerbois is recorded in Tardy Tardy DICTIONAIRE DES HORLOGERS FRANCAIS as apprenticed in Paris 1751/52. Jacques Dubois is recorded in Nicolay, Jean L'ART ET LA MANIERE DES MAITRES EBENISTES FRANCAIS AU XVIIIe SIECLE as an important ebeniste who was appointed Maitre in 1742. Jacques Dubois was born in 1694 and is believed to have trained under his half-brother Noel Gerard during the 1720's-30's before qualifying as a Master at the relatively mature age of 48. Although Dubois appears not to have supplied pieces directly to the French Court he is known to have made pieces for minor Royalty such as Madame Elizabeth, Louis XV's daughter who married the Duke of Parma. Dubois is particularly well known for his contribution to the evolution of French rococo furniture as well as his striking use of marquetry veneers and lacquer finishes. He died in 1763 leaving a substantial inventory of workshop tools, furniture and clocks. Condition Report: The movement appears to be in sound original working condition with no obvious significant replacements or alterations. Although the movement is reasonably clean and in working order a precautionary clean and overhaul is advised. The dial is generally in fair presentable condition but has faults to many of the enamel numeral plaques. All the outer minute numerals appear to have been over-painted with a coat of white ground and new black Arabic numerals. This is most likely due a significant number of these having noticeable damage requiring all to be refinished to match. The larger hour numeral plaques have a series of hairline cracks to the I, VIII, X & XI numerals and repaired edge chips to I, V, VII, VIII & X; the IIII numeral has also been significantly over-painted (leaving II, III, VI, & IX apparently free from noticeable/significant damage or restoration). The centre appears free form noticeable cracks or chips. The gilt cast dial plate appears to be in good original condition, the hands also appear original and are in good condition. The case is generally complete and free from structural damage other than slight shrinkage in places however the painted decoration has significant flaking to the right hand side of the surmount, the base board of the interior and all three sides of the wall bracket. Otherwise damage to painted decoration is limited to relatively minor bumps, scuffs, localised small degree of flaking and light wear. The interior of the rear door panel has probably been fully restored/repainted. The rear of the case has been re-ebonised over some slight historic worm damage and other minor faults commensurate with age. The mounts appear all-intact and retain much of their original gilding. Clock is complete with pendulum, winder and case key. Condition Report Disclaimer