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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table pendulum clock

Jacques Cogniet Gilt Brass and Wooden Table Pendulum Clock

Partially verified

This table pendulum clock is attributed by Christie's to Jacques Cogniet and dated to circa 1700. Constructed from gilt brass and wood, the case measures approximately 57 cm and features an architectural facade framed by fluted pilasters, corner finials, and red faux-tortoiseshell or lacquered panels. The cresting is surmounted by a gilded winged figure sounding a trumpet. Its dial arrangement includes individual white enamel cartouches displaying Roman numeral hours, along with subsidiary displays for calendar indications and polychrome moon phases. Christie's reports functions including a minute and quarter repeater, alarm, calendar, and moon phases.

Frontal view of the Jacques Cogniet table pendulum clock
Frontal view of the Jacques Cogniet table pendulum clock — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Clock · Table pendulum clock
Maker / attribution
Jacques Cogniet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
197
Source-reported date
circa 1700
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Architectural Case Construction

The clock stands approximately 57 cm tall, constructed from gilt brass and wood. The architectural facade is described as having fluted pilasters and is surmounted by a sculpted gilded figure of a winged trumpeter atop a tiered dome.

The casing features red-mottled decorative panels and displays signs of age. Reported condition issues include tarnish, small chips, and some decorative elements that are only conditionally fixed.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 57 cm.”
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Gilt brass and wood”
  • “Some elements of the case are tarnished and have small chips. A very few decorative parts on the main casing are only conditionally fixed.”

Dial Configuration and Condition

The primary dial features individual inset white enamel plaques with Roman numerals. A lower plate houses two subsidiary dials, which include a polychrome painted moon phase display.

The dial is described as original with surface wear. Reported damage includes a continuous hairline crack and small chips above the moon phase, along with hairline cracks near the numeral XII.

Evidence for this section
  • “Main dial features individual inset white enamel plaques with Roman numerals.”
  • “Lower dial plate features two subsidiary dials including a polychrome painted moon phase display.”
  • “Enamel painting above the moon phase shows a continuous hairline crack in the middle, as well as small chips. The upper part of the number 12 shows small hairline cracks.”

Mechanism and Attribution

The clock is attributed to Jacques Cogniet and dated to circa 1700. Reported functions include a pendulum movement with a minute and quarter repeater, alarm, calendar, and moon phases.

The mechanism was reported as not ticking at the time of cataloging and requires service due to long-term inactivity.

Evidence for this section
  • “JACQUES COGNIET”
  • “CIRCA: 1700”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Minute and quarter repeater, alarm, calendar and moon phases”
  • “The movement is not ticking at the time of cataloguing. A service is required as the watch has not been used in a long time.”

Open research questions

  • What is the documentary basis for the attribution to Jacques Cogniet?
  • What is the composition of the red-mottled decorative panels on the casing?
  • What specific maintenance or restoration is required to restore the pendulum movement to operational status?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jacques Cogniet Gilt Brass and Wooden Table Pendulum Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJacques Cogniet“JACQUES COGNIET”
Circa Date1700“CIRCA: 1700”
Case MaterialGilt brass and wood“CASE MATERIAL: Gilt brass and wood”
Case Dimension57 cm“CASE DIAMETER: 57 cm.”
DialRing with enamel“DIAL: Ring with enamel”
FunctionsMinute and quarter repeater, alarm, calendar and moon phases“FUNCTIONS: Minute and quarter repeater, alarm, calendar and moon phases”
Case Dimensions57 cm“CASE DIAMETER: 57 cm.”

Visible details

  • Surmounted by a sculpted gilded winged figure sounding a trumpet atop a tiered dome.
  • Architectural case features fluted Corinthian-style pilasters and urn-like finials.
  • Main dial features individual inset white enamel plaques with Roman numerals.
  • Lower dial plate features two subsidiary dials including a polychrome painted moon phase display.
  • Red-mottled decorative panels border the upper cresting and the arched dial surround.

Research qualifications

  • Internal pendulum movement details and rear casework are not illustrated.
  • Christie's condition report notes the movement was not ticking at the time of cataloguing and requires service.
  • The dial enamel exhibits minor chips and hairline cracking, notably above the moon phase and on numeral XII.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

JACQUES COGNIET, GILT BRASS AND WOODEN QUARTER REPEATING TABLE PENDULUM CLOCK WITH CALENDAR, MOON PHASES AND ALARM, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 678da53fcd

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.