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An Important French Louis XV Period Musical Wall Cartel Clock, circa 1750

$48,612
£36,381.44
€42,523.69VAT Included
CA$68,692.42
A$69,339.39
CHF 39,842.62
MX$840,477.02
NOK 461,158.22
SEK 471,047.11
DKK 317,876.38

About the Item

This magnificent Swiss musical cartel clock with its original matching wall bracket is an investment-grade masterpiece of eighteenth-century European horology. Masterfully crafted circa 1770, this extraordinary Swiss musical cartel clock represents the absolute pinnacle of Swiss mechanical genius from the golden age of luxury watchmaking. Visual Description and Special Attributes To someone who has not seen this piece in person, it can be described as a visual triumph of Rococo design, characterized by fluid, asymmetrical curves and lavish decoration. The clock case and its corresponding wall bracket are adorned with exquisite Boulle marquetry, featuring a vibrant ground of genuine red tortoiseshell seamlessly inlaid with intricate, scrolled brass work. The entire silhouette is heavily enriched with exceptional, finely chased gilt-bronze mounts of magnificent quality. The clock is crowned by an outstanding classical two-handled urn finial featuring a pineapple top and geometric patterns. Below the large, beautifully preserved white enameled convex dial, a glazed viewing window reveals the highly complex internal mechanism. The sides of the case are fitted with original, finely perforated brass acoustic grilles backed by red silk, which allow the rich tones of the music to resonate perfectly. Why It Is Worth Its Price and the Racket System Complication This timepiece is worth its premium price due to its extreme rarity, its remarkable state of preservation, and its highly advanced internal complications. Unlike standard clocks of the period, this specimen features an incredibly rare, complex mechanical movement utilizing a racket system linked to an integrated musical carillon. The racket system was a supreme horological complication reserved only for the most luxurious, custom-commissioned objects of luxury. Visible through the lower glass window, a large musical pin barrel cylinder works in perfect unison with a multi-bell arrangement and finely tuned hammers to play complex, delightful melodies. A racket system of this caliber required supreme engineering skills that only a few elite Swiss masters possessed. Creator, Context, and Provenance While this Swiss musical cartel clock does not bear a visible signature, this anonymity is highly typical for elite Swiss productions destined for international markets or luxury Parisian housing. During the late eighteenth century, anonymous Swiss master horologists from the Neuchâtel and Geneva schools frequently focused entirely on mechanical brilliance rather than commercial branding. This item fits perfectly into the grand tradition of Swiss mechanical automata, embodying the exact style, technological sophistication, and decorative language popularized by legendary innovators such as Pierre Jaquet-Droz. It represents a quintessential example of the ultra-luxurious, complex timepieces created for European royalty and elite aristocracy. Condition, Installation, and Important Buyer Details Potential buyers should know that this two-piece set is designed for wall installation. The matching tapered wall bracket must be securely anchored to a weight-bearing wall using appropriate heavy-duty hardware before the clock is safely placed on top of it. The overall condition of this genuine red tortoiseshell masterpiece is exceptional for a historical object that is over two hundred and fifty years old. The fine gilt-bronze mounts retain an incredible, authentic eighteenth-century patina with beautiful luster. The delicate Boulle marquetry shows minor, natural signs of age and stable hairline surface wear, which is entirely consistent with its era. The original white enamel dial exhibits light, authentic micro-fissures characteristic of period production, which enhance its historical charm and do not compromise its structural integrity. The intricate musical movement and its racket system components are remarkably well-preserved.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 53.15 in (135.01 cm)Width: 21.26 in (54.01 cm)Depth: 10.236 in (26 cm)
  • Style:
    Louis XIV (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Enamel,Ormolu,Tortoise Shell,Hand-Crafted
  • Place of Origin:
    Switzerland
  • Period:
    1770-1779
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1770
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    SEDLEC-PRČICE, CZ
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10963250368372

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