A FRENCH EMPIRE BELGE NOIR MARBLE STRIKING MANTEL REGULATOR WITH EXTERNAL FREE-SWINGING PENDULUM

A RARE FRENCH EMPIRE BELGE NOIR MARBLE STRIKING MANTEL REGULATOR WITH EXTERNAL FREE-SWINGING PENDULUMUnsigned, probably Paris, early 19th centuryThe circular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with pin-wheel escapement incorporating crutch passing through the top of the case to engage with the base of the substantial 'gridiron' compensated pendulum incorporating large gilt disc bob and suspended from a knife edge above, the circular gilt Roman numeral dial with geometric rosette and concentric band decorated engine-turned centre and blued steel moon hands within repeating floral bloom cast bezel, the plinth-form case with ormolu post fitted with knife-edge pendulum suspension arm over tablet upstand applied with gilt panel beneath the pendulum inscribed with an arc annotated 0-5-10 in two directions and labelled DEGRES DE CERCLE, with cavetto cornice over dial and on conforming moulded skirt base with engine-turned feet.62.5cm (24.5ins) high; 20.5cm (8ins) wide, 12cm (4.75ins) deep. Provenance: The Selwyn Demmy Collection.Condition Report: The movement appears complete and all original with no obvious evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The going train mainspring appears to be broken/unhitched hence the clock is currently not running; the strike train will wind but is currently not operational hence the movement will require a clean/service, new mainspring and adjustment/possible repair to the strike train. The dial has some light patchy discolouration and wear to the gilding and the numeral have been retouched otherwise is in sound original condition. The case has a noticeable corner chip to the left hand corner of the cornice and to the front right hand corner of the skirt otherwise damage is very much limited to a few very small edge chips.Clock has pendulum but no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer