A Large Gilt-Bronze Four-Glass Mantel Regulator Calendar Clock

Description

A Large Gilt-Bronze Four-Glass Mantel Regulator Calendar Clock.

The architectural case composed of two columns supporting a stepped top. The front and back with bevel glazed doors. The enamel clock dial with 4″ white chapter ring with roman numerals around a visible escapement. The calendar dial includes a moon phase aperture and months inscribed in English, above smaller dials for the date, day and year (for common and leap year).

France, vers 1870.

This unusually large calendar clock can be attributed to Le Roy et Fils of Paris who made the distinctive type of calendar dial with moon phase aperture. That the dials are marked in English suggests this clock was likely retailed through Le Roy et Fils’ London outlet at 296 Regent Street, opened by 1854.

Established by Basile Charles Le Roy soon after 1785 and continued by his son Charles-Louis Le Roy, who sold out to his employee Casimir Halley Desfontaines in 1845 on the condition that he kept the name Le Roy et Fils. Having established premises after the revolution at Galerie Montpensier, 13 and 15 Palais Royal, the business remained there until 1899.