French Religieuse Alarm Clock - Louis XIV Period - Fierville In Caen Circa 1700

Rare "French religieuse' alarm Boulle clock signed in front plate  "M. Fierville à Caen" that stands for the clockmaster Michel FIERVILLE, Caen,  France, Louis XIV period,  around 1700.

The rectangular, veneered  ebonized wooden  case is surmounted by an arch top with an urn bronze mount finial . The fronton is typical of Baroque style and reminiscent of the first Haage Huygens pendulum  clocks from  the end of  17th century period. The front line with old , dark velvet adorned with red tortoiseshell inlay with partly engraved brass and ebonized wood.

The brass chapter ring is entraved with Roman hours and arabic minutes numerals. The early movement is driven by a single barrel and has a duration of two weeks and the brass plates are joined together by means of turned baluster pillars. With its original verge escapement in combinaison with a silk suspended pendulum. The alarm mecanism is spring loaded and is located at the rear of the movement and is activated by pulling a string at the back of the mechanism. The alarm setting is done using the front circular disc.

By the beginning of 18th century, Michel Fierville is recorded as having the full commissionning of the monumental clock at Saint Étienne  Abbaye in Caen that was achieved in 1744 (Guillaume le Conquerant  remains are said to stand there)

Fierville was known working with the  best bronze goldsmiths in  PARIS  like Saint-Germain. Some of his clocks are on display in the  Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris. 

Dimensions : 41 cms/22.5 cms/12.5 cms