Targe à Paris

Targe à Paris, circa 1720. Unusual and interesting gilt bronze, quarter repeating Louis XIV oignon. Double body oignon, fully chased with scrolls, foliage, birds and cupids, the back with a scene depicting Leda with the swan (rubbed). GiIt bronze, with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring on white enamel cartouches, the center chased with a bird, scrolls and foliage (slightly restored). Blued steel poker and beetle hands. GiIt brass full plate with baluster pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement with plain steel three armed balance, gilt brass Louis XIV cock pierced and engraved with scrolls and foliage, flat balance spring. Repeating on a bell by depressing the pendant, with unusual early modular repeating work set on the front plate below the dial and a repeating train with the quarter picked-up by three pins set on the striking barrel. Signed on the back plate. In good condition. Diam. 55 mm Notes The modular arrangement of the repeating work below the dial, predates the invention of the repeating work à bâte levée, by Julien Le Roy in 1740.