The Longitude at the Eve of the Third...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 23, 1999

LOT 522

Almost certainly Italian, dated: Anno D 1668.Fine and extremely rare early table clock à cercle tournant, designed as a glazed pyramidal obelisk.

CHF 30,000 - 35,000

C. Rectangular gilt brass base standing on fourturned feet with fluted square column corners, four glazed side panels, chased with foliage and engraved with the Latin inscription: DOMINI IOANNISGAIGNE REGI A PRAEFECTI EX DONO CONS ILIIS IN AERARIO SVESSI. SVAE ET QYAESTORIS ET. It is surmounted by a glazed pyramid with gilt bronze flame finial, the mountings chased with foliage.D. Horizontal silvered ball shaped with Roman numerals, revolving within the pyramid with gilt bronze flame finial and blued steel pointer. M. Brass rectangular within the base, fusee with gut line, verge escapement, steel two-arm balance now fitted with a flat balance spring.Dated beneath the base: Anno D. 1668.Dim. 28 x 8,5 x 6 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 4

Fair
Movement: * 4
Dial: 4 - 5 - 04

Notes

The Latin inscription above, can be translated as follows: PRESENT TO THE KING BY M. JOHN GAIGNE, TREASURER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORS OF THE PUBLIC TREASURE FROM SESSA/AURUNCA.Sessa Aurunca: town and episcopal, province of Caserta, Campania region of southern Italy, built on a lava deposit of the extinct Roccamonfina volcano, north-northwest of Naples. The town is on the site of the ancient Suessa Aurunca, the chief city of the Aurunci (an ancient Italic tribe), which was punished by the Romans for refusing to pay tribute.We greatefully acknowledge the assistance provided byMr. Enrico Norelli from the Faculté Autonome de Théologie Protestante and Mrs Irena Backus from the Institut d'Histoire de la Réforme at the Geneva University, who were kind enough to translate for us the Latin inscription engraved on this table clock.