C.1870, French, Planchon, Palais Royal, an unusual giltwood Italian-style mantel clock.

C.1870, French, Planchon, Palais Royal, an unusual giltwood Italian-style mantel clock. This is a very interesting clock. Planchon often made updated clocks after masterpieces of two centuries earlier. A clock by Ludovico Lanzcron, Bologna, circa 1670 has virtually the same lines as this "French Reissue". In Italy, more than any other country, there was a fascination with being able to tell the time at night with a simple glance at the clock, which usually had some type of pierced dial and provision for a small lamp or candle to light cut-outs of numerals. In our "simulated night clock" by Planchon, a central disc rotates once every two hours, with two holes to reveal smaller rotating numerals behind. You will note in the photo that it is about past 7. The seven descends below the horizon and an 8 starts up on the left side, and so on. In our example the numerals are fired porcelain, while on an original, it would have been pierced to allow the light out. This clock was restored maybe 50 years ago, and the inside and back of the case were painted an antique gray. The rectangular dial plate is painted in oil with a rustic landscape, and there is flaking and touch-up evident. Well made 8-day lever mov't no. 3833, striking, signed Planchon. This clock sold at Sothebys, London, On June 5, 1997, lot 364, for $4150 Height 24" (61cm) Reserve $2500