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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Pendule

Louis XV style Boulle pendule

Partially verified

This French pendule, dated circa 1830, features a wooden case with three-sided glazing, adorned with tortoiseshell and brass marquetry. The case is finished with finely chased, gilt bronze mounts, including a finial depicting Cupid sitting on a shaft, which is noted as being loosely attached. The clock face is constructed from cast bronze and features individual enamel cartouches displaying Roman numerals. Internally, the clock is equipped with a pendulum movement featuring thread suspension and a strike mechanism for the half-hour on a bell. A sun pendulum is included with the mechanism. Two original keys are provided with the clock. The auction description notes that the movement is in working order, though the striking mechanism requires cleaning and the exterior case is in need of some restoration. The overall height of the clock is 75 cm.

Frontal view of the Louis XV style Boulle clock with Cupid finial.
Frontal view of the Louis XV style Boulle clock with Cupid finial. — Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Pendule
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1566
Source-reported date
circa 1830
Source-reported place
France

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

Case Construction and Decoration

The clock is housed in a wooden cabinet featuring glazing on three sides. The exterior surfaces are finished with marquetry using a combination of tortoiseshell and brass, which is described as being partially engraved. The case is further embellished with gilt bronze applications that have been finely chased to provide detail.

Surmounting the top of the clock is a decorative bronze figure of Cupid, depicted with an arrow and seated upon a shaft. The auction description reports that this figure is only loosely attached to the top of the clock housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “dreiseitig verglastes Holzgehäuse, verziert mit Marketerie in Schildpatt und Messing, partiell graviert”
  • “Amor nur lose aufgesetzt”

Dial and Movement

The time is indicated on a dial crafted from cast bronze. The chapter ring consists of distinct enamel cartouches that feature Roman numerals. The clock relies on a pendulum movement for its timekeeping, which utilizes a thread suspension system and includes a sun-shaped pendulum bob.

The clock movement is reported to be in working condition. The mechanism includes a striking function that sounds on a bell every half hour. The auction house reports that the striking mechanism is currently in need of cleaning to function as intended.

Evidence for this section
  • “feines Ziffernblatt aus Bronzeguss, Emaillekartuschen mit römischen Ziffern”
  • “Sonnenpendel mit Fadenaufhängung”
  • “Werk gehfähig, Schlagwerk reinigungsbedürftig”

Condition and Dimensions

The clock stands at an overall height of 75 cm. The auction description mentions that the case is in need of some restoration work. Two original keys were documented as being included with the lot.

The internal components include a striking mechanism that requires maintenance. Aside from the loose Cupid figure and the striking mechanism, no further details regarding the internal condition are provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “H 75 cm”
  • “Gehäuse etwas restaurierungsbedürftig”
  • “zwei originale Schlüssel beigegeben”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'circa 1830' dating for a Boulle-style clock, considering the period of production?
  • Are there any identifiable stamps or marks on the backplate of the movement that could confirm the maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis XV style Boulle pendule
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Country of originFrance“Frankreich”
Date of manufacturecirca 1830“um 1830”
Case materialWood, tortoiseshell, brass, and gilt bronze“dreiseitig verglastes Holzgehäuse, verziert mit Marketerie in Schildpatt und Messing, partiell graviert, vergoldete und fein punzierte Bronzeapplikationen”
Dial typeCast bronze with enamel cartouches“feines Ziffernblatt aus Bronzeguss, Emaillekartuschen mit römischen Ziffern”
Movement suspensionThread suspension“Sonnenpendel mit Fadenaufhängung”
Striking mechanismHalf-hour strike on bell“Pendulenwerk mit Halbstundenschlag auf Glocke”
Height75 cm“H 75 cm”
Included accessoriesTwo original keys“zwei originale Schlüssel beigegeben”

Visible details

  • Case features tortoiseshell and brass marquetry
  • Dial uses individual enamel cartouches for Roman numerals
  • Finial figure of Cupid with quiver
  • Sun-shaped pendulum bob visible within case

Research qualifications

  • Cupid figure is noted as loosely attached
  • Striking mechanism requires cleaning

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

Consulted source

Große Louis XV. Boulle-Pendule

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 42ad15e11a

Terms in this record

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

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