Early French Louis XIV Religieuse Clock, by Theodore De Mire, circa 1662

Early French Louis XIV Religieuse Clock, by Theodore De Mire, circa 1662

Built within the first five years of Christian Huygens' invention, simple and plain in appearance with the case veneered throughout with ebony, surmounted with a flat-surfaced curved pediment edged with a molding. The steel dial plate is covered in black velvet with a pewter chapter ring with lovely gilt, pierced, and engraved hands. The cast and engraved cartouche signed Theodore De Mire. A crown verge escapement movement, with silk thread suspension.

Ht. 14 3/4 in. W 10 1/2 in. D 5 1/2 in.

Provenance: Georges Prin (Paris, 1885-1959) astronomical instrument manufacturer for Maison P. Gautier and later Lerebours et Secretan.
Hotel Drout Sale: 3rd June 1987, Paris.
William J.H. Andrewes, Sundial Architect & Horological Consultant, Rockford, Illinois.
Jim Cipra, Horological Consultant, Long Beach, California.
The collection of Dr. William Thomas, Naples, Florida.
Condition Report: In running condition. Apart from the velvet and the restored cycloidal cheeks, this early piece is exceedingly original and retains its original crown wheel.