A miniature French brass table lantern clock with striking, circa 1780.

Description

Northern France

This beautiful little table lantern clock was made in northern France. It is part of a small production that has several typical characteristics. Firstly, the front plates are gable-shaped and often decorated with a diamond pattern. Furthermore, the clocks have enamel dials, which makes them easy to read. The silhouette of the whole is narrow, which distinguishes them from Capucines, for example, which are much wider. But the most characteristic feature is the construction of the movement. In the vast majority of movements powered by spring barrels, the going and striking trains are placed next to each other. In this type of clock, the going and striking trains are placed one behind the other, just like in lantern clocks that are driven by weights. This allows the clocks to remain beautifully narrow, which, in my opinion, adds to their appeal.

Roman numerals

The 4.8 cm enamel dial has Roman numerals and fleur-de-lis hands. The dial is mounted on a gable shaped brass front with geometric engraving and flowers above.

Striking

The movement is powered by two spring barrels and is of thirty hour duration. It is regulated by anchor escapement in combination with a silk suspended pendulum. The clock has half hour striking on a bell by means of a countwheel.

Brass

The brass case is crowned by a bell with a decorative finial. There are also decorative finials on the corners. The doors on the sides have glass panels, as does the back. The whole is raised on turned feet.