J. DESTE à PARIS

A rare Louis XIV period miniature brass French lantern clock in wonderfully pristine condition. The maker’s signature J. Deste à Paris is engraved to the dial centre below the central alarm disc. The delicate chapter ring has arrow head half-hour markers, inside quarters and boldly engraved Roman hour numerals.

The Green Man or ‘foliate head’ mask highlighting the engraving with red wax at the top of the frets is distinctively French. The well-shaped steel hand is original as are the bell, the bell strap, the side doors and the alarm disc which is engraved with Arabic numerals.

The original crown wheel escapement has a turned short brass bob which swings at the back of the case off a silk suspension. The steel hoop and spurs also appear to be original. Both the going and the alarm trains have ropes pulled by matching ring-turned lead weights. The original alarm work is mounted inside the steel back plate.

Height: 8 in (20.5 cm) excluding finial

Height: 9 ½ in (23.5 cm) including finial

* This clock is in a remarkably untouched state both in the delicate wheel trains and steelwork of the movement and the beautiful patinated bronze colour of the dial, frets and case.

References: Ton Bollen, Franse Lantaarn Klokken, pl.79

                 Brian Loomes, Lantern Clocks & Their Makers

                 George White, English Lantern Clocks

                 W.F.J. Hana, English Lantern Clocks, pp.47-48,

                 pl.120,126,127

HWP