Beschreibung:

A fine French Louis XV ormolu mounted 'vernis Martin' bracket clock The dial signed for Guerbois, Paris, the case stamped for Jacques Dubois Paris, mid 18th century The two train movement with four column-turned pillars pinned through the backplate, verge escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum with silk suspension and outside countwheel hour striking sounding on a bell mounted within the superstructure of the case, the 11 inch circular twenty-five piece enamel cartouche dial signed GUERBOIS, APARIS to the circular white enamel centre within blue on white Roman hour numerals and scroll cast gilt borders incorporating conforming Arabic five minute cartouche numerals to outer track, the waisted mid green painted case with generous scroll pierced surmount to the swept superstructure painted with sprays of roses between applied gilt scroll cast angle mounts above elaborate rococo crest and shaped glazed foliate-border cast door applied with bold leafy apron mount incorporating a recumbent Ho-Ho bird, within leafy trail painted surround applied with further scroll mounts to angles and with tall brass-edged inset arched windows within conforming painted field to sides, on four generous cast scroll feet with apron between, stamped IDUBOIS beside JME monogram to top beneath superstructure and JME twice again to rear, 97cm (38.25ins) high; with matching floral spray painted ogee-shaped wall bracket with shallow cavetto upstand to table above 'S' scroll cast frieze and rococo scroll mounts to apron and front angles over conforming cast pendant to base, 39cm (15.25ins) high; the clock and wall bracket 133.5cm (52.5ins) high overall. Guerbois of Paris appears not to be recorded as a clockmaker, Jacques Dubois on the other hand is recorded in Nicolay, Jean L'ART ET LA MANIERE DES MAITRES EBENISTES FRANCAIS AU XVIIIe SIECLE as an important ebeniste who was appointed Maitre in 1742. Jacques Dubois was born in 1694 and is believed to have trained under his half brother Noel Gerard during the 1720's-30's before qualifying as a Master at the relatively mature age of 48. Although Dubois appears not to have supplied pieces directly to the French Court he is known to have made pieces for minor Royalty such as Madame Elizabeth, Louis XV's daughter who married the Duke of Parma. Dubois is particularly well known for his contribution to the evolution of French rococo furniture as well as his striking use of marquetry veneers and lacquer finishes. He died in 1763 leaving a substantial inventory of workshop tools, furniture and clocks. Condition report disclaimer