MUSEUM QUALITY Antique French Verge Fusee Desk Clock | 18k Gilt Ormolu Bear Head

Presenting an exceptionally rare, museum-quality antique French desk clock, seamlessly marrying master-class horology with extraordinary bronze sculpture. Crafted in the late 18th to early 19th century, this mechanical masterpiece features a magnificent 18k gilt bronze (ormolu) roaring bear head that hinges open to reveal a pristine verge fusee movement by the esteemed Martin Fils of Bagnols.

This is a true collector’s piece, offering an investment-grade addition to any serious collection of antique horology or fine European bronzes.

Detailed Specifications

The Case & Base

• Material: 18k Gilt Bronze (Ormolu) and Polished Black Marble.

• Design: The clock is ingeniously housed within a highly detailed, heavy cast bronze sculpture of a roaring bear’s head. The chasing and texturing of the fur are executed with phenomenal precision, capturing the raw power and anatomical accuracy of the animal. The top of the skull is hinged, lifting smoothly to display the dial and movement.

• Base: The sculpture is securely mounted on a pristine, heavyweight polished black marble base that perfectly contrasts with the radiant gold finish of the bronze.

The Dial

• Material: Crisp, original white enamel.

• Numerals: Classic, elegant black Arabic numerals, beautifully spaced for legibility and aesthetic balance.

• Hands: Exquisite original pierced gilt hands with a beautiful, natural antique patina.

• Signatures: Clearly signed on the dial “Martin fils / A BAGNOLS”. Front-winding aperture located at the 2 o’clock position.

The Movement

• Type: Traditional French Verge Fusee escapement with chain drive.

• Features: The movement is a mechanical work of art, featuring a highly ornate, hand-pierced and engraved balance bridge (coq) that protects the balance wheel. It includes a silvered Tompion regulator dial and magnificent blued steel screws.

• Markings: The beautifully gilded backplate is finely engraved with the maker’s signature, “Martin fils”. The inner bronze dust cover is distinctly engraved with the maker’s mark and serial number: “Martin fils / A BAGNOLS, N° 3938”.

Measurements & Condition

• Figure Height: 8 cm

• Marble Base Dimensions: 12 cm x 10 cm

• Condition: Perfect. This exquisite timepiece has been meticulously preserved. The 18k ormolu gilding remains vibrant and rich, showing virtually no wear. The enamel dial is flawless, free of hairlines or chips. The verge fusee movement is impeccably clean, complete, and in perfect working order.

• Accessories: The original winding key is included.

Historical Context & Significance

The Maker: Martin Fils Operating out of Bagnols (historically Bagnols-sur-Cèze in the Gard department of southern France), Martin Fils (Martin & Son) represents the high standard of provincial French watch and clockmaking during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Timepieces from this era and region are highly sought after for their robust craftsmanship and individual character, often rivaling the output of Parisian workshops.

The Ormolu Technique The breathtaking gold finish on the bear is achieved through dorure au mercure (mercury gilding or ormolu), a dangerous and highly skilled process utilized during the 18th and 19th centuries. It involved applying an amalgam of high-karat gold and mercury to the bronze, then heating it to vaporize the mercury, leaving behind a thick, deeply bonded, and incredibly lustrous layer of gold that simply cannot be replicated by modern electroplating.

The Verge Fusee The movement utilizes a verge escapement paired with a fusee cone and delicate chain. This was the pinnacle of precision timekeeping technology for centuries, designed to equalize the uneven pull of the mainspring as it unwound. The presence of a verge fusee movement in such a highly specialized, novelty automaton-style case is exceedingly rare.

Carefully review all high-resolution macro photographs, as they serve as an integral part of this description. The timepiece will be professionally and securely packed for international transit.

The clock comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR 9,000.00!

Now is your only chance to buy this amazing piece!

NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. Every possible defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!

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