A French Empire patinated and gilt bronze coach timepiece with quarter repeat and alarm, circa 1800

Description

10-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals and blued Breguet hands, signed André Jacquin rue M….eil No. 23, 8-day movement with verge escapement and balance wheel, pull quarter repetition on two bells, alarm on a bell, patinated bronze drum case with engraved gilt borders, finely engraved gilt bezel, finely pierced gilt back door with foliate ornament around a star, surmounted by a handle, with a wall suspension hook.

Travel clocks made by good clockmakers for the rich in 18th Century France usually are called ‘pendules d’officier’ which would translate to ‘officier’s clocks’. Many sons of noble descent choose for a military career and became officers in the French army. Officers in those days travelled often with some luxury and it was not unusual to have a tent furnished with a small desk, a bed and travel commode. Besides the fact that a piece like this would fit nicely into this interior it was very important to be punctual. Far from all travel clocks were made for officers but the name stuck to the type. This fine clock with alarm and quarter repeating obviously was made for a bedroom. The handle on top would have fit over any hook on the wall of the room where one would lodge.