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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Annular clock

Louis XVI Style Gilt and Marble Clock and Cassolettes

Partially verified

This set consists of an annular clock and two matching cassolettes, all created in a neoclassical design. The components are primarily constructed from white Carrara marble with doré bronze mounts. The clock functions as a crown wheel movement with a deadbeat escapement. It features a gilt dial at its summit, which displays time through a rotating annular mechanism rather than a traditional lid. The maker, Victor Athanase Pierret, signed the winding mechanism of the clock. This specific horological piece includes the mark "SGDG," indicating compliance with Parisian patent laws related to innovations in horological design. The accompanying cassolettes are decorative vessels designed to mirror the aesthetic of the clock, incorporating eagle mask supports and foliate festoons. The set is attributed to the nineteenth century, with the manufacturer identified as active in Paris.

The set of three objects, comprising the annular clock in the center and two matching cassolettes.
The set of three objects, comprising the annular clock in the center and two matching cassolettes. — M.S. Rau. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
rauantiques.com
Category
Clock · Annular clock
Maker / attribution
Victor Athanase Pierret
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1865
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

Clock Construction and Design

The annular clock features a mechanical movement utilizing a crown wheel with a deadbeat escapement. Unlike traditional timepieces with removable lids, the summit of this clock houses a gilt timepiece that rotates to indicate the hour. The winding mechanism for this movement is positioned at the base of the clock.

The aesthetic design of the clock is neoclassical, incorporating doré bronze mounts and Carrara white marble. The body is supported by legs adorned with eagle masks and foliate festoons, creating a visual link to the matching cassolettes that complete the set.

Evidence for this section
  • “The annular clock, a crown wheel with a deadbeat escapement, is distinguished by a gilt timepiece at its summit, instead of a removable lid.”
  • “Classical eagle masks adorn the legs, featuring intricately detailed foliate festoons held in their beaks.”

Maker and Intellectual Property

The clock is signed by the horologist Victor Athanase Pierret, who was active in Paris during the nineteenth century.

The clock bears the mark "SGDG," a designation that indicates the object was produced in accordance with Parisian patent law at the time of its creation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Its winding mechanism at the base bears the signature of the maker, Victor Athanase Pierret (1806-1893).”
  • “This clock, marked "SGDG," indicates that innovation, marking its accordance with Parisian patent law.”

Cassolettes and Materials

Accompanying the clock are two cassolettes, defined as small containers historically used to hold perfumed substances or incense. These objects were crafted to mirror the design of the clock, utilizing the same combination of Carrara marble and doré bronze mounts.

Each of the three items in the set measures approximately one foot in height.

Evidence for this section
  • “The bodies of this exquisite pair of Louis XVI-style cassolettes, along with a complementary annular clock, are crafted from exceptional specimens of Carrara white marble, each measuring almost a foot in height.”
  • “in the decorative arts, cassolettes are small covered vases meant to hold perfumed substances or incense.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific patent associated with the 1863 filing that Pierret referenced with the 'SGDG' mark?
  • Are there any recorded instances of this specific model of annular clock existing in museum collections?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis XVI Style Gilt and Marble Clock and Cassolettes
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVictor Athanase Pierret“Victor Athanase Pierret (1806-1893)”
Datecirca 1865“Circa 1865”
EscapementDeadbeat escapement“a crown wheel with a deadbeat escapement”
MaterialCarrara marble and doré bronze“crafted from exceptional specimens of Carrara white marble, each measuring almost a foot in height. Doré bronze mounts”
SignatureVAP BREVETE SGDG“Clock marked: VAP / BREVETE / SGDG”
Height of Clock10 inches“Clock: 10“ high x 4 5/8” wide x 4 1/2“ deep”

Visible details

  • The dial is an annular rotating ring with visible numerals.
  • The clock movement includes a crown wheel and deadbeat escapement.
  • The case includes eagle masks holding festoons.
  • The base is made of white Carrara marble.

Research qualifications

  • The exact year of manufacture is listed as 'circa 1865' which is an approximation.
  • The association with specific Parisian patent law is based on the 'SGDG' mark, which the source interprets as accordance with law.

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

Consulted source

ساعت حلقه‌ای و جفت کاسولت مرمری و برنزی سبک لویی شانزدهم اثر Victor Athanase Pierret حدود ۱۸۶۵

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 39604a35d7

Terms in this record

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