SMALL TABLE CLOCK Mugnier Hger du Roi N:1114 Circa 1810 France

101b

SMALL TABLE CLOCK
Signed: Mugnier Hger du Roi N:1114
Circa 1810
France

Movement
The spring-driven movement consists of going and striking trains. The going has a vertical hairspring balance and regulation. The rack striking train indicates the quarter hours and the hours on two gongs and has repetition, with which the last hour and quarters struck can be repeated at will by pressing a brass button. The gongs are mounted on the backplate, which also holds the winding and setting arbors. There is a blued steel handle in the bottom plate to switch the striking off or on. The maker has signed and numbered the movement on a plaque on the backplate Mugnier Hger du Roi N: 1114.

Dial
The circular silvered dial has black Roman numerals with five-minute and minute divisions. It is signed by the maker above the VI Mugnier Hger du Roi. The time is indicated by a fine pair of blued steel Breguet hands. The dial is protected by a facetted glass set in an engine-turned gilt brass bezel.

Case
The well-proportioned, ebonised pearwood-veneered arched case rests on flat brass bun feet. The movement can be accessed via a back panel with lock and key. The turned brass repetition button is situated on top of the arch. The whole is surmounted by a gilt brass carrying handle and elegant ornaments.

Duration 1 week

Height 16.5 cm.
Width 12 cm.
Depth 7.5 cm.

Literature
Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, London, 2006, p. 557.

The maker
Charles Mugnier was active as a clockmaker in Rue Neuve des Petits Champs in Paris from 1810 until 1830. He was clockmaker of Emperor Napoleon and his brother King Louis XVIII.