Antique Imperial Easter Egg Verge Fusee LePine Clock for Empress Catherine II For Sale

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Antique Imperial Easter Egg Verge Fusee LePine Clock for Empress Catherine II:
$7491.00

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This extraordinary Imperial  Royal Presentation Easter Egg Desk Clock was crafted by the renowned French watchmaker Jean-Antoine L’Épine (1720–1814), one of the most influential horologists of the 18th century. L’Épine, known for his association with King Louis XV and Louis XVI, created this masterpiece exclusively for the court of Empress Catherine II .
The clock, housed within a gilded silver egg-shaped case, represents the pinnacle of French craftsmanship and Imperial luxury. Such presentation pieces were gifted by the Imperial court to high-ranking officials, dignitaries, and members of the Romanov dynasty, symbolizing prestige, power, and exquisite taste.


Features & Design:

1. Case & Exterior:
• Material: gilt silver adorned with deep red garnet gemstones, creating a regal aesthetic.Hallmarked with 84 silver hallmark.
• Design:
• Imperial double-headed eagle motifs, symbolizing the power of the Romanov monarchy
• Intricately engraved Cyrillic monograms of Empress Catherine II, confirming the piece’s imperial provenance.Also engraved the letter XB meaning \"Christ is Risen\"(Christos Voskresse).
• Crowned insignia, reinforcing the status of this as a royal presentation gift
• Base:
• Supported by three detailed imperial eagles, a direct reference to the Romanov Empire’s heraldry
• A tiered plinth base, adding grandeur and stability to the design

2. Dial & Clock Mechanism:
• Dial:
• Exquisite enamel dial, featuring a portrait of Empress Catherine II in royal attire
• Roman numeral hour markers, encircling the portrait in a finely detailed gilt bezel
• Delicate gilt hands, showcasing the finest craftsmanship of French watchmakers
• Movement:
• High-quality verge fusee escapement, a hallmark of precision watchmaking in the 18th century
• Hand-engraved balance cock, featuring elaborate floral motifs
• Signature: The movement is signed “L’Épine à Paris”, authenticating its French origin and masterful construction


Historical Significance:
• Jean-Antoine L’Épine’s Legacy:
• As one of France’s greatest horologists, L’Épine was a royal clockmaker to the French court.
• He revolutionized pocket watch design, simplifying movements and improving accuracy.
• His timepieces were highly prized across European courts, particularly by Catherine the Great.
• Catherine the Great’s Patronage:
• Empress Catherine II was a known patron of the arts and sciences, commissioning exquisite timepieces and objets d’art from the finest European craftsmen.
• Presentation eggs, precursors to the Fabergé eggs, were gifted to important figures in Imperial political and aristocratic circles.
• Imperial Symbolism:
• The use of imperial eagles, garnet gemstones, and gilded engravings reflects the wealth and grandeur of the Romanov dynasty.
• Such presentation timepieces were reserved for members of the Imperial nobility, marking them as symbols of power, prestige, and royal favor.


Collector’s Value & Rarity:
• Authenticity & Provenance: A French-made clock by L’Épine, commissioned for the Romanov imperial court, is an exceptionally rare historical artifact.
• Condition & Craftsmanship: The gilded silver case, gemstone embellishments, portrait enamel dial, and fully functional movement make this an outstanding collector’s piece.
• Investment Potential: Imperial  presentation timepieces, particularly those associated with Catherine the Great, are among the most valuable antiques in the world, with continued appreciation in the market.


Conclusion:

This Imperial  Royal Presentation Easter Egg Desk Clock, crafted by Jean-Antoine L’Épine for the court of Catherine the Great, is an exquisite blend of French horology and imperial grandeur. With its gilded egg-shaped case, gemstone embellishments, and enameled portrait dial, this masterpiece is not just a timepiece—it is a symbol of power, prestige, and artistic excellence.

A truly museum-worthy piece, this desk clock stands as one of the finest examples of 18th-century European watchmaking and  imperial craftsmanship.

Free shipping to worldwide,fully insured(possible byDHL overnight courier)

NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION.
Every possible defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!

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