LARGE Superb Antique French Ormolu Rococo Clock - Leon Message - Jollet et Cie

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LARGE Superb Antique French Ormolu Rococo Clock - Leon Message - Jollet et Cie:
$11366.94

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Superb Antique French Ormolu Rococo Clock ~ Léon Messagé

~ French - Circa 1906 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

A large and exceptional antique French ormolu clock, designed in the style of the sculptor Léon Messagé and bearing the foundry mark of Jollet et Cie. Executed in finely gilded bronze, the composition draws inspiration from the Rococo vocabulary ofJuste-Aurèle Meissonnier, characterised by bold movement, asymmetry, and richly animated ornament.

The lower half of the clock is centred on a maritime theme, featuring Neptune flanked by a pair of beautifully modelled dolphins. The dolphins ride stylised surf upon sweeping scrolls that form the feet of the clock, their dynamic movement enhancing the sense of fluidity. Between them, Neptune emerges above a shell motif, conceived as a lively and expressive sea.

Above the dial, Cupid is shown seated patiently, holding his bow with a quiver of arrows at his side, introducing a contrasting note of tenderness and allegory. The entire case is unified by pronounced curves and finely chased foliate decoration, all crisply cast and richly gilded.

The dial is of porcelain enamel on copper, fitted with finely cut gilt-brass hands and protected by a convex glass. The rear bezel is also glazed, allowing the movement to be viewed, a feature that enhances both the visual appeal and connoisseurial interest of the piece.

The French movement is of superb quality and was made by Samuel Marti. It is in excellent, clean, and fully functioning condition, having been professionally overhauled by our clockmaker. The pendulum is original to the clock. The movement runs for eight days and strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. A video is provided below, allowing you to hear the bell strike and observe the clock in operation.

Condition of the case is excellent, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with slight wear in places, mainly the base inside the clock. The dial is also excellent with just some slight nibbles to the winding holes.

To the rear of the case is the mark Jollet & Cie, Ancienne Maison Colin.

Maison Colin was a highly prestigious Parisian foundry, founded in 1843 and located at 29 rue Sévigné, Paris. Renowned for the exceptional quality of its castings, the firm exhibited at several international World’s Fairs, including the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where it was awarded the Gold Medal.

Maison Colin collaborated with many of the leading Parisian bronziers of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including Frédérick Eugène Piat (1827–1903), Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824–1887), Eugène Marioton (1854–1925), and René Rozet (1858–1939), among others.

In 1906, Maison Colin changed its name to Jollet & Cie, retaining the designation “Ancienne Maison Colin” to acknowledge its distinguished heritage.

Jollet & Cie, Ancienne Maison Colin bronze founder's mark on the rear of the case

Although not bearing the signature of Léon Messagé this design is probably by him. Léon Messagé was born March 8, 1842 in Sens, Yonne. At 20 years old, he lived in Paris at 23 rue de Rivoli and was then referred to as 'stone carver.' Around 1885, he began collaborating with François Linke, important cabinetmaker of the Belle Epoque, providing him models for furniture and ornamental bronzes. They collaborated until the death of Messagé, who lived until the age of 58 and died May, 16 1901. It is through this collaboration with François Linke, that Messagé would be successful during the last decades of the nineteenth century. In fact, Messagé was awarded a gold medal at the 1889 World Fair and it was he who designed all the important furniture for the stand of François Linke for the Universal Exhibition in 1900. Even though he worked hard for Linke, Messagé still remained an independent craftsman, working on his own account. In his studio at 40 rue Sedaine, in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, he was the designer and creator of its models. The fundamental principle of the designs by Messagé is a light rococo, a characteristic asymmetry of rock that Parisian artisans developed in the 1720s. This clock is a good testimony of this lively design and the unique style of Leon Messagé.

Samuel Marti clockmaker's mark on the movement backplate

Complete with original pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.

**Listed in UKP and USD, please see our store for your preferred currency**

Dimensions of clock:

inches

Height 23", Width 13 1/2", Depth 8 3/4"

centimetres

Height 58 cm, Width 34.5 cm, Depth 22 cm

About us- All of our clocks are original antiques, we source most of our clocks inFrance, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK. We prefer to buy our clocks inoriginal 'dirty' condition. We then clean the cases using a technique we havedeveloped over many years. We employ two qualified clockmakers who overhaulthe movements. Movements are thoroughly tested until we are satisfied that theywill run trouble free.

Duty and Taxes - Most countries do not charge import duty on antiques. Some countries charge sales tax. For USA this will be collected by . For UK VAT is included in the price and we pay that for you. For Australia there is sales tax, it will be collected by the courier. All other countries please check your customs website for details. Sadly we have no control over your countries tax regime!

International Shipping is no problem - fully insured

We use a premium courier such as UPS, DHL etc or a dedicated/specialistantiques courier.
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