An early French Capucine travel clock with quarter repeat and alarm, circa 1780.

Description

Capucines

This sturdy little clock was made before the more standard production of Capucines got hold. It still has some individual features that sets it apart from later clocks. The arched brass front plate is a little unusual and is comparable to some of the ‘pendules d’officier’ from the Louis XVI period. It is also more slender or vertical in form than most Capucines. The austere practical built made it practical for travel but there is still some refinement to be discovered in the execution of the hands, finials and feet. They show the competence of the clockmaker and the ambition to make something beautiful. With its quarter repeating and alarm it must have been a reliable travel companion for its proud owner.

Engraved hands

The 8-cm enamel dial has Roman numerals and Arabic five minute marking. It is fitted to a breakarch brass front. The foliate pierced and engraved hands are made of gilt brass. The alarm disc is made of brass.

Chevalier de Bethune

The movement is driven by a spring barrel and is of eight day duration. It is regulated by the fairly rare Chevalier de Bethune escapement in combination with a silk suspended pendulum. The clock has pull quarter repeat on two bells and alarm on a single bell.

Urn finials

The brass case is surmounted by a bell with a carrying handle. On the corners it has four urn finials. There are doors to the sides and a detacheble panel to the back. The whole is raised on turned feet.