Dreweatts 1759
Lot 1040
A FINE AND RARE FRENCH QUARTER STRIKING MUSICAL PICTURE CLOCK WITH ANGELUSMAISON WURTEL, PARIS, CIRCA 1860With oil on canvas after David Teniers the younger (1610-90) 'two men playing cards in the kitchen of an Inn' with the composition adapted to incorporate a longcase clock, hinging upwards along with the floral relief moulded gilt composition frame to reveal the internal mechanism comprising four elements; the first a four pillar two train gong striking clock movement of duration of around two weeks with anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum and outside countwheel strike on a gong, the frontplate stamped with oval M'ON WURTEL, HORLOGERIE... trademark beneath numbers 743, 9 2, fitted with 1.625 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial signed M'ON WURTEL, A PARIS to centre and with steel hands; the second mechanism comprising a separate conforming hour striking train to repeat the hour shortly after the principal movement released via a pivoted detent from the under dial motionwork; the third mechanism released in a similar manner shortly after six o'clock with single barrel and vertical fly driving a pinned wheel to operate the Angelus sequence on a graduated pair of gongs; the fourth a musical mechanism released on the hour and playing a choice of twelve tunes via a 16.5 inch pinned cylinder on a 74 tooth comb, the cylinder mounted on a steel bed stamped with serial number 43418 with indirect chain winding for the large spring barrel opposing fly and controls for tune change/repeat, start/stop and continuous play/hour activation only connected via steel rods to brass pulls positioned to the underside edge of the case, all mounted on the backboard of a shallow box case alongside tune sheet inscribed No. 43418, 12 AIRES to upper margin over manuscript tune list including La fille de Madame Angot, Souvenie de Cock and Mandolinata, the lower margin inscribed Maison WURTEL, Passage Vivienne, 38 et 40, PARIS, the back panel also applied with two additional labels for MAISON WURTEL, E. PIERFORT Suc'r..., and GATTOLLAIT along with a modern brass plaque explaining the function of the plungers for the music mechanism.The image 63.5cm (25ins) by 79.5cm (31.25ins); the case 83cm (32.75ins) high, 99cm (39ins) wide, 19cm (7.5ins) deep. Provenance:From the private collection of a professional sportsman and commentator. Maison Wurtel was founded by Guillaume-Ferdinand Wurtel in around 1837 when he advertised as working from 38-40 Passage Vivienne, Paris. Three years later he was listed in a trade directory as a horological maker and seller offering picture clocks as well as a supplier of concave glasses. In 1841 a magazine, 'La Presse', recommended 'La Maison Wurtel' to their readers informing them that they can buy watches, table clocks, picture clocks, music boxes, alarm clocks and 'objects of fantasy'. In 1856 they exhibited at the 'Exposition of Delepine of Paris' but unfortunately were positioned within the scientific instrument section to the bafflement of visitors. Maison Wurtel were known to have sourced their clock movements form Japy Freres and the musical mechanism within the present lot can be attributed to Auguste L'Epee of Saint-Suzanne, Doubs, France (who worked from 1839 until the end of the century). The Angelus mechanism is a particularly rare feature which traditionally served to accompany the recital of the Angelus prayer in Roman Catholicism. Condition Report: The clock, striking and angelus mechanisms are all in relatively clean original working condition with the various levers and detents present. The musical mechanism is also in relatively clean working condition with no visible losses to the teeth or noticeable corrosion issues. The clock was in use in the vendor's home when consigned however due to the nature of the item some adjustment may be required to ensure all the features operate as an when they should once the picture is hung securely on the wall. The canvas is in good condition with no visible tears or holes of noticeable repairs. The frame is in fine condition with good gilding throughout. The pine back box has some slight wear/bumps (most noticeable to the back corners) as well as other relatively minor age related faults - otherwise is in very good original condition.Clock is complete with pendulum and two winding keys. Condition Report Disclaimer