Y A FRENCH REGENCE SMALL BOULLE BRACKET TIMEPIECE OF ONE MONTH DURATION Jean Godde, Paris, early 18th century The single train movement with four shouldered baluster-turned pillars pinned through the backplate enclosing large diameter spring barrel and five wheel train now with anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the backplate signed Jean Godde AParis to lower margin, the 5.5 inch cast gilt brass twelve-piece blue on white enamel Roman numeral cartouche dial with matted centre, scroll borders to the numerals and every minute numbered to outer track, with sculpted blued steel hands, the engraved cut brass and brown shell decorated marquetry case with seated putto surmount to the ogee-shaped superstructure veneered with leafy strapwork scroll decoration around a baskets of fruit and applied with acanthus cast mounts to angles over repeating rosette cast fretwork frieze emerging from the sides of the architectural moulded cast brass break-arch cornice, the front with hinged brass break-arch glazed door applied with stylised palmette to apron and flanked by scroll cast mounts to the brass edged angles, the sides with brass-framed windows incorporating bowed lower rails over swollen marquetry decorated lower sections, the rear with panel door decorated with contra-parti marquetry to inside face over geometric tiled floor to interior, on acanthus cast lions paw feet, (the movement previously fitted with an alarm mechanism). 44cm (17.25ins) high, 26cm (10.25ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep Jean Godde is recorded in Tardy DICTIONAIRE DES HORLOGERS FRANCAIS as becoming a Master in 1691. Tardy notes that he was working from Rue Vielle Draperie in 1695, Rue de Bucy in 1698, Place Dauphine in 1699, A la Bourse in 1700 and finally Rue Guenegaud in 1743. He is thought to have died in 1749. Condition Report: The movement is in clean working condition however has been converted from verge escapement to anchor hence all wheel above the third wheel have been replaced. Other spare holes in the plates indicate that the timepiece was also fitted with an alarm mechanism which is no longer present. The dial has a faint 'shadow' at the centre from where an alarm disc was previously positioned over a plain section which has been matted to match the rest of the dial. There is also a small hole within this section and plugged repair of a casting fault towards nine o'clock. The II numeral has a hairline crack otherwise numerals appear in fine condition, the hands also appear original and are in good condition. The case is can be best described as being in 'country house' condition with historic repairs to the marquetry with small losses and slight lifting evident as well as bumps, scuffs, shrinkage and other age related faults throughout. Some of the tortoiseshell has 'bloomed' and there is a noticeable chip/loss to the veneer beneath the lower right hand corner of the front door. The clasp for the front door has been replaced and many of the brass 'tiles' to the inside base panel are missing. Timepiece has a pendulum but no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer