Bracket clock
Henri-Charles Balthazar (fl.1717 - 1772)
Category
Horology
Date
circa 1750
Materials
Oak, brass, turtle shell, enamel, steel and glass
Measurements
137 x 48.5 x 24 cm
Place of origin
Paris
Order this imageCollection
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
NT 1170877.1
Summary
Eight day French bracket clock in boullework case, by Charles Balthazar, Paris, c.1740. Two-train, five-pillar going-barrel movement with verge escapement and count-wheel half-hour striking on bell, engraved on the backplate: “Ch Balthazar, AParis”. The chased gilt-brass dial plate has white enamel hour plaques with roman numerals and white enamel dial centre signed: 'CHARLES BALTHAZAR PARIS'. Steel hands. The fire-gilt mounted boullework case has glazed sides and front and stands on its original matching wall bracket. Note: Charles Balthazar is recorded as Master clockmaker in Paris in 1717, working in Place Dauphine in 1733 and in rue du Roule between 1747 and 1772.
Provenance
Previously amongst the chattels that, in 1978, were acquired along with Chirk Castle from Lt-Col Ririd Myddelton (1902–1988) by the National Land Fund and handed, on loan for 99 years, to the Secretary of State for Wales. In 1981 Chirk was transferred into the ownership of the National Trust. Chattels from the estate of Lady Margaret Myddelton that were accepted in lieu in 2006.
Marks and inscriptions
CHARLES BALTHAZAR PARIS (in centre)
Makers and roles
Henri-Charles Balthazar (fl.1717 - 1772), horologist