Scarlet Tortoise-Shell Louis XV Mantle Clock
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A fine-quality scarlet tortoise-shell and Boulle and gilt-bronze mounted Louis XV style mantle-clock by Arnold and Charles Frodsham London, English circa 1850 58 cm high, 27 cm wide. Provenance: Asprey London 31/10/88 (4,200 pounds)
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- Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
- Boulle - Boulle work is the name given to tortoiseshell and metal inlay using brass and sometimes silver, found on furniture and smaller wooden objects. It originated in Italy but was developed by Frenchman Andre Charles Boulle (1642 - 1732) under Louis XIV.
Boulle was appointed Royal Cainet Maker to Louis XIV and designed furniture and clockcases for the monarch.
In preparation, the tortoiseshell and metal were cut together following a design, using a fine fret saw.
In the application of the Boulle, the carcase of piece of furniture was covered with the tortoiseshell which in turn was inlaid with the matched designs in metal, which in turn was elaborately engraved.
The use of Boulle work furniture continued mainly in France until the 19th century.
This item has been included into following indexes:
- Asprey & Co. (England) - decorative and household items 118
- clocks, mantle & shelf, period or origin
- clocks, material or decoration - Boulle 94
- Frodsham, Charles (London) - clocks and watches 28