223,500 CHF
Precision Timekeeper with 2 Complications and ThermometerLe Paute a Paris, cabinet by Jean-Ferdinand-Joseph Schwerdfeger, circa 1775. Very fine and extremely rare month-going weight-driven Valet Astronomique, with long case regulator, Huygens endless rope-winding, Berthoud offset compound pendulum, center-seconds, equation of time, annual calendar and thermometer. Mahogany, glazed on the front, rectangular cresting above molded cornice supported by wooden corbels, paneled veneered plinth with molded base. Circular brass movement, 17,5 cm, contained in a brass cylinder, cylindrical pillars with conical base,eight-driven, pin-wheel escapement with pins on one side of the escape wheel, heavy asymmetrical brass-steel Berthoud compound compensation pendulum with thermometer scale, spring suspension, Huygens endless rope winding, 146-tooth annular wheel driven by six-leaf pinion of 30-tooth star wheel jumping twice a day, equation cam set on the annular wheel, equation arm connected to a rack meshing with a wheel set underneath the equation dial which is spring loaded via a small cord and long steel sprng.Signed on the dial.Dim. 185 cm, base width 44 cm. Notes The fact that a Berthoud offset compound pendulum was employed in a Valet Astronomique made by Lepaute shows the great influence of Berthoud's ideas on watchmakers of the time.The Berthoud offset compound pendulumInvented by Ferdinand Berthoud, the offset pendulum is described in his Essai sur l'Horlogerie, 1763, vol. Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-11-11
