Catalogue - Antique Clocks and Barometers

A
CLAUDIUS DUCHESNE, LONDON
n exceptional Queen Anne period figured walnut longcase clock
of month duration with square dial and caddy top by this well
known Huguenot maker. The case is veneered with highly figured walnut
of excellent colour and patination. The pull-forward caddy top hood is
flanked by turned pillars with brass capitals. The caddy top is original and
is surmounted by two gilt flambeaux finials.
The 12 inch square dial has an applied chapter ring with cherubs
holding a crown corner spandrels. The centre is finely matted with an
applied seconds ring and an aperture to view the day of the month. The
blued steel hands are finely pierced and the maker’s signature – Claudius
Duchesne, London - is engraved on the chapter ring between V and VII.
The five finned pillar month movement has outside countwheel strike
with the hours sounded on a bell. As one would expect from a maker
of Duchesne’s stature, the movement is of the highest quality with fine
wheelwork and substantial plates and the elegant case stands comparison
with the best cases of Tompion and Quare.
Date: circa 1710–1715
Height: 89 in (226 cm)
* Claudius Duchesne moved from Paris to London circa 1690. Duchesne is
recorded in Loomes’ ‘Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World’ as being in
the Clockmakers Company from 1693 to 1730. Loomes suggests Duchesne worked
from Dean St, Soho, London and was a maker of a number of exceptional
bracket and longcases.
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