Lot 93

Nicolas Gribelin

An exceptionally rare, one-handed Parisian Louis XIV "oignon" coach clock with alarm - this is one of the largest "oignons" in existence

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The silver case is open-worked around the edge and ornamented with engraved scrolls, flowerheads and two hare-hunting dogs, as well as the depiction of two putti on the pendant. The back is polished and holds the bell for the alarm. The Roman hours are black on white enamel and time is indicated with a blued spade hand, as is the alarm hand. The magnificent firegilt full plate movement features baluster pillars and an impressively large Louis XIV-style balance bridge with exquisite foliage scrolls; the ornamentation matches the motif on the outside of the case. The alarm mechanism sits in a finely open-worked barrel, decorated with fine floral scrolls.
This unusually large "oignon" is a wonderful example of the skill and craftsmanship of Nicolas Gribelin, who is regarded as one of the best makers of the late 17th century. The ornamentation on the case and the balance bridge is probably based on the designs for watchmakers published by Pierre Bourdon and reproduced in E. Geli’s "L'Horlogerie Ancienne". The engraving and the open-work decoration on the edge of the case are particularly fine and detailed.

Nicolas Gribelin was born in Blois in 1637 as son of clockmaker Abraham Gribelin. By the end of the XVII century he was one of the most famous French clockmakers of the time. In 1674 he was appointed Horloger de Monsieur le Dauphin, who was the son of Louis XIV; Gribelin was received at the Faubourg St. Germain as Master in 1675. Gribelin often worked together with Andre Charles Boulle for the cases of his clocks. When the Dauphin’s clocks were inventoried in 1689, four of then were by Nicholas Gribelin. Gribelin died in 1719; today many museums hold examples of his work, e.g. in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.