4,200 CHF
Diana the Huntress Musson a La Charite. Made circa 1685. Fine and very rare, early, Louis XIV, gilt brass, single-hand oignon watch, wound through the center and with early type symmetrical balance cock. Two-body, “oignon”, the back chased and engraved with a scene of Diana the Huntress within a forest glade, foliate strapwork border and bezel, square hinge, loose ring pendant. White enamel with radial large black painted Roman numerals, inner quarter-hour ring. Blued steel tulip hand. 47 mm, winding from the front only, frosted gilt full plate, baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three-arm steel balance, short balance spring, pierced and chased symmetrical cock decorated with inhabited foliage in three panels, Tompion-type regulator, steel release catch spring with foliate terminal. Movement signed. Diam. 58 mm. Notes The present watch is an example of the early use of the balance spring, the balance cock is designed so that it allows the spring to be clearly seen. Musson A dynasty of watchmakers working in the Charite-sur-Loire from the late 17th century until the mid-19th century. See: Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, Tardy, 1972. Literature: La Montre Française, Adolphe Chapiro, Les Editions de l’Amateur, 1991, p. 51, fig 100-103.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2008-11-16
