A truly rare, made in the period, Art Deco desk clock by the Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1920's. In a rectangular shaped design with stepped side pieces of yellow gold or a gold casing, a silvered dial with raised gold numerals, and cream and black enamel on a rectangular plinth base, size 3 1/8 in. height x 2 5/8 in. width at base x 1 1/16 in. depth at base. Marked Van Cleef & Arpels on face and with a tiny, punched hallmark impressed near the bottom of right gold step that is difficult to make out, but appears to show their trademark "tower" with "A" to its right and partial "?C" to its left. Several sets of numbers are stamped both on the bottom plate near the clock winder and also along the foot of the plinth. Clock runs on a mechanical wind 8-day movement which winds and adjusts from underneath. Winder pulls out like a watch crown and winds the movement. Piece winds smoothly, runs and keeps time at our inspection. While movement apparently has no maker's mark, the previous owner's watchmaker identified it as a Lemania. Retains a Christies Auction sticker on the back from a July 1985 auction where it was lot 149 with an estimate of 600-800 pounds.

A period piece that has no apparent signs of previous restoration. Shows some wear, light abrasions and a couple of "flea-bites" to the enamel that would be appropriate for its age. Toning and light scratches to silvered face, toning to gold numerals and clock hands, light nicks and scratches to gold side steps. Note that while the clock was working and running during our inspection, no clocks or watches sold are guaranteed once they leave our office.