Lewis Walduck
Cataloguer
Lot 21*
An early 19th century Swiss miniature grande sonnerie 'Pendule d'Officier'
2 July 2025, 13:00 BST
London, New Bond Street£4,000 - £6,000
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An early 19th century Swiss miniature grande sonnerie 'Pendule d'Officier'
The case with stepped, flat top surmounted by a foliate carrying handle over a floral boss and lyre mounts to the sides, further bosses to the front, the rear door backed in silk, with a (currently vacant) three position slot for strike selection. The 2.5inch enamel Roman dial with brass flowerhead alarm-setting disc within a cast hinged bezel. The two-train grande sonnerie movement with the going train powered by a single chain-driven fusee, with verge escapement and balance secured beneath a typical continental-style balance bridge. The strike train powered by a separate going barrel with rack striking to a pair of bells mounted on the backplate. The alarm function driven by an additional small barrel and striking on the second bell. Currently ticking but not fully striking. 13cms (5.5ins) high.
Footnotes
A Pendule d'Officier, or officer's clock, is a refined form of French mantel or travel clock, often produced in a portable format that anticipated the later carriage clock. Traditionally associated with military use—particularly among officers during the Napoleonic era—these clocks were equally favoured by the broader elite for their reliability, precision, and convenience. Typically housed in elaborately decorated ormolu cases and fitted with characteristic carrying handles, they represent a transitional design in the evolution of portable timekeeping.
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