Pendule Neuchâteloise

Pendule Neuchâteloise. Neuchâtel, No. 1448, circa 1790. Fine brass and wood two-week going hour and quarter striking cartel clock. Elaborately inlaid with brass over wood, glazed on front and curved sides, the front with hinged door decorated with musical instruments, laurel-leaf frame, the top with a mask, hinged back door, brass finial with gilt foliate decoration surmounted by a brass urn, four brass legs of foliate form, edges with laurel-leaf pattern. Bracket en suite with finely chased mask at the top, acanthus leaf finial. Rectangular, brass, going barrels, verge escapement, steel rod/brass bob pendulum, silk suspension, square-knob adjustment, striking on two bells with two hammers, count wheel on the back plate. Numbered on the back plate. Dim. height 125 cm (with bracket and finial), base width 41 cm. Notes This type of clock was developed in the Neuchâtel area during the second half of the 18th century, and became immensely successful throughout Europe. This popularity lasted until the mid 19th century. These clocks, called "neuchâteloises" because of the area in which they were made, were often given as wedding gifts and were hung on the wall in a characteristic display case. "Neuchâteloise" clocks became known both for their typical design and the quality of their movements.