Alphonse Greban, (Paris), circa 1580. Fine and very rare gilt bronze drum clock with alarm. | L\'ART DE L\'HORLOGERIE EN FRANCE DE XVIe AU XXe SIÈCLE | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 14th November 1993

L\'ART DE L\'HORLOGERIE EN FRANCE DE ...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 14, 1993

LOT 5

Alphonse Greban, (Paris), circa 1580. Fine and very rare gilt bronze drum clock with alarm.

CHF 50,000 - 60,000

C. Two piece, cylindrical with moulded frame, the band with fusee observation door, engraved with four vignettes depicting the four elements, Earth, Wind, Fire and Water below a regular pierced gallery, the base with an engraved wreath. D. Gilt Roman chapter ring forming part of the case with touch studs, the centre attached to the movement with engraved chapters 13-24, the interior engraved with an allegory to Science. Single steel arrow hand and gilt alarm setting pointer. M. Gilt brass full plate with square tapered pillars, fusee with gut-line, verge escapement with plain three-arm balance with later spring and regulator. Gilt brass "S" cock secured by a pin (old damages). Alarm train with going barrel, striking on a bell set between the dial and movement,the upper tier with arabesque engraved pillars and secured by a latch. Signed in the base of the case. In good condition. Diam. 62 mm.

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Alphonse Greban, Paris, son of Jehan, recorded in 1553 as working in Rue du Palais, subsequently in the Rue des Canettes in 1576. He was clockmaker to both Henri III and Henri IV. His wife was apparently assassinated in 1594. The incorporation of the alarm mechanism into the movement of such a small drum clock is unusual, the popular practice being to have a seperate movement mounted on top.