Louis XVI clock with complications, chased gilt bronze, signed A.Hessen, 18th century
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Details
An important Louis XVI boundary clock with complications.
In chased bronze and gilded with mercury, original gilding of exceptional quality;
it is surmounted by a perfume burner holding large garlands of laurel.
The white enamel dial is signed: "Hefsen à Paris"; it indicates the dates and months.
It stands on a chased ormolu base decorated with acanthus friezes, quivers, bundles and bows; four gadrooned toupie feet.
Movement in perfect working order, silk thread suspension and striking hours and half-hours.
HESSEN André. Of Swedish origin. Master's degree in Paris in 1775, active until 1791. He published a Mémoire sur l'horlogerie in 1785 and was the patented watchmaker to H.R.H. Monsieur, 1783-84, brother of the king, conte de Provence and future Louis XVIII.
Dictionnaire des horlogers Français. TARDY p.297