A small French Louis XVI quarter repeating wall timepiece, Lepaute 1783.

Description

Lepaute

At a time when travel clocks were rare and production was small, clockmakers came up with very individual designs. Lepaute was one of the leading clock making dynasty of the time, renown for quality and elegant design. The compact and elegant but unadorned design was practical for travel. The movement had some clever adaptions also. The pendulum has a special arrangement around it making it unnecessary to take it out for transport. And when the case is fixed to the wall the pendulum can be started using a small key. All innovations are there to make use easy for the owner. A nice detail is that the backplate is signed and dated Lepaute June 7th 1783 which idicates that it was made during the reign of Louis XVI. But where most objects of this period show stylistic characteristics, only the hands and dial are typical for the age. Ornament sometimes camouflages flaws in a design. Realising that makes the elegant case even more attractive. A unique piece by a great maker in a beautiful restraint case.

Fleur-de-lys

The 10-cm enamel dial has Roman numerals and Arabic five minute numbering with gilt marks. The centre is signed Lepaute H.ger du Roi. The finely pierced and engraved hands fleur-de-lis hands are made of gilt brass.

Pull quarter repeat

The spring driven movement has a duration of two weeks. It is regulated by anchor escapement in combination with a silk suspended pendulum. The pendulum has rate adjustment and has a unique prevention for overswaying. By using a small key on an axis under the number VI one can start the pendulum. The clock has pull quarter repeating on two bells mounted on the backplate. This was used to know the time at night during a time when making light was difficult.

Travel timepiece

The annular gilt brass case has a hinged moulded bezel and a semi circular addition for the swinging pendulum. It is mounted on the wall by a suspension hoop.