French Gilt Bronze Grande Sonnerie Cartel Clock

This exceptional French gilt bronze Grande Sonnerie cartel clock houses an impressive work of horology. The Grande Sonnerie movement has a complex striking system that allows you to know the time within 15 minutes every time the clock strikes by playing the number of the hour on one bell followed by the number of the quarter hour on a second separately tuned bell. The complexity of this striking system made movements this elaborate exorbitantly cost-prohibitive for most clockmakers to produce. Furthermore, as few could afford to commission clock movements of this caliber, the market for Grande Sonnerie movements was limited. Thus, making these clocks noteworthy finds today.

This remarkable movement resides in opulent gilt bronze adornment. Regal rams heads, flowers, and garlands adorn the piece adding artful dimension to the case. The time displays on an 8.5″ convex porcelain dial signed Meunier A Paris. The complex three train movement bears a full restoration and a one-year warranty.

38″ High x 16″ Wide x 5-1/2″ Deep

Circa 1720