A first class French clock dating from circa 1890.

A first class French clock dating from circa 1890. The movement is signed for Detouche. Charles Allix records that Detouche worked in the 1850's in partnership with the eminent Robert Houdin, known for his mystery clocks and the fact that he taught Houdini much of his magic; the student took the master's name. Constantin Louis Detouche exhibited at the Great Exhibition in London, 1852, and won a gold medal at the 1860 Besancon Exposition and a further medal at London 1862. The case and dial are made of white onyx, an expensive material. The sculpture on top is made of gilt bronze and is signed for Guillot, a noted Parisian bronzier. It represents femininity. He studied under Gantherin and Falguiere and made a number of ornamental compositions including the frieze for the Paris Exposition of 1900. Several of his works were cast by the Sevres factory. He exhibited at the Paris salon from 1887-1911.