Clock and garniture set (3) - Brass, Metal - 1850-1900

Splendid and imposing triple piece for an antique fireplace, consisting of a large table clock and a matching pair of four-light candelabra. The set, dating from the mid-19th century (circa 1850-1870), is made in a metal alloy (probably bronze or a similar alloy) with rich gilding applied, and is a perfect example of the lavish Rococo Revival taste that was very fashionable in France at that time. The complex and detailed sculptural work makes it a piece of furniture with great prestige and visual impact.

Subject and Sculpture: The base of the clock is a masterwork of casting art. It depicts a highly detailed pastoral-allegorical scene, typical of the Rococo style. A gracefully draped and reclining female figure is shown offering flowers to a ram (or ram) that rears up, leaning on the clock’s structure itself. The base is adorned with volutes, garlands of flowers, lattice motifs (grillage) and rests on scroll feet, including the front feet of the candelabra that evoke lion heads. The gilding alternates between matte and polished finishes to enhance the volumes.

Dial and Mechanism: The white dial features elegant black Arabic hour numerals. There is a chemin de fer minute track. At the center, a radiating floral decoration and the prestigious signature of the dealer/clockmaker: "GUÉNOT" at the top and the locality "LA CIOTAT - MARTIGUES" (in the south of France) at the bottom. The hands are finely pierced. There are two winding holes for the movement and the striking mechanism. The mechanism, only partially visible, is pendulum-driven.

Inscriptions and Marks: The dial clearly bears the names "GUÉNOT" and "LA CIOTAT-MARTIGUES". The pendulum lens is stamped with the inscription "THIÉBLE". This detail is crucial: "THIÉBLE" was a renowned pendulum (balanciers) maker in Paris in the second half of the 19th century (active around 1850-1880), confirming the period and the high quality of the Parisian mechanism.

Details of the Candelabra:

Structure: The pair of candelabra is perfectly matched to the clock’s style. Each has four lights (arms), with phyllotactic volutes and intricate leafy motifs supporting the candle cups.

Unique Details: The candelabra are enriched with rare and highly valuable elements:
- The bases are enhanced with elegant white color inlays, which contrast beautifully with the gilding.
- The upper removable terminal knobs are present, and, a very rare detail, their original extinguishers (candle-snuffers) in the shape of a hood with a garland handle, a sign of exceptional completeness.
- The letters "A" and "R" with the central wheel
On the pendulum lens the letters A and R are clearly readable:
A = Avance (Advance)
R = Retard (Slow down)
The central wheel: Used to physically adjust the height of the bronze/brass disc along the pendulum rod. If you turn the wheel toward A, the disc rises (the clock runs faster); if you turn toward R, the disc falls (the clock runs slower).

Condition and Technical Notes:
The triple piece is in generally good condition for its age, with normal signs of wear and use that attest to its antiquity (slight gilding wear, patina, internal oxidation). Please carefully read the following specific notes:

Mechanism and Striking: The mechanism is spring-driven. It has been tested and it is confirmed that the striking mechanism activates and functions correctly (it tolls every half hour and on the hour). However, the clock has not been tested for accuracy and timekeeping continuity and may require adjustment by a professional clockmaker to run perfectly.

Missing Parts: The clock is missing the front glass that closes the dial. The rear door is also missing.

Reported Restorations: On the back of the clock, a restoration was carried out on a metal/bronze section. A portion has been reattached (see detailed photo number 19 for exact location). The restoration was performed to consolidate the structure.

Completeness: The set comes complete with the original pendulum (stamped THIÉBLE) and its winding key.

Construction Details: The photos of the lower base clearly show old square-head screws, typical of hand-forged XIX-century workmanship, confirming the authenticity and antiquity of the piece and distinguishing it from modern replicas.

Final Considerations:
A high-quality and important set, a “must-have” for collectors of antique French clockmaking and lovers of Rococo style. The completeness of the candelabra (extinguishers), the signature on the dial, and the stamp on the pendulum make it a piece of clear historical and artistic interest.

Please carefully review all provided photographs, which are an integral part of the description, to assess aesthetic conditions, details of workmanship, and the noted restorations.

Dimensions:

CLOCK DIMENSIONS: Height: 37 cm x Width 34.7 cm x Depth: 12.7 cm - Weight: 2.8 kg

CANDELABRA DIMENSIONS: Height: 44 cm - Weight: 4 kg

Estimated total weight of the complete triple: 6.8 kg