A1004

Early Oval French Verge

£22,000.00

Signed   F Houlliere a Laval
Circa   1630
Diameter   40 x 52 x 24 mm         

1 in stock

Description

A rare early 17th Century French pre-balance spring verge in a gilt and silver oval case.  Deep full plate fire gilt movement with slender square baluster pillars.  Fusee and gut with gilt barrel ratchet and elaborate click between the plates. Small pierced and engraved cock secured by a screw.  Plain gilt dial engraved with Roman numerals, fine single blue steel hand in the form of a serpent.  Four tabs on the dial locate it in the case and secured by two springs and latches at nine and three o’clock.  Drum shaped gilt oval case, fixed pendant and ring bow, turned finial at six o’clock.  The sides of the case with a band of applied silver engraved with foliage and reclining figures.  Plain hinged gilt oval covers, gilding worn from the exterior surfaces.  Inside the front cover a well preserved engraving of the Medici Family coat of arms.

In excellent condition for the period.  A member of the Medici family was probably the first owner of the watch which at the time could only be afforded by the nobility.  Laval is in north eastern France, close to LeMans.  The town of La Houlliere is about 100 km away, close to the coast.