166 - Le Roy & Fils - Precision Pendulum Regulator

Le Roy & Fils - Precision Pendulum Regulator A museum-like, classical-style Parisian long case precision pendulum clock - one month power reserve Movm. No. 11532, Dimensions 2040 mm, circa 1840, Origin Frankreich Case: Oak, veneered in ebony, with a stepped plinth and breakfront, glazed door and side panels, a moulded projecting cornice, and a straight cornice top. Dial: Enamel, central seconds. Movm.: Solid trapezoid brass movement, 4 screwed movement pillars, finely toothed going train in very best quality, Graham escapement with sapphire pallets, weight winding with maintaining power mechanism according to Harrison, double suspension spring, wooden pendulum rod, brass pendulum bob with temperature compensation. The first watch and clock manufactory in France was established by (Basile) Charles Le Roy (1765-1839) in Paris in1785 at the Palais Royal, 13 & 15 Galerie Montpensier, which remained the familie’s address for more than a century. Le Roy was much valued by the royal family and the court and always welcome at the Louvre. he was famous for his perfect and marvellous clocks and wall clocks, which were very popular in a great number of palaces and stately homes all over Europe. During the French Revolution from September 1793 to July 1794 Le Roy used the anagram EYLOR, because his real name was too closely associated with the French aristocracy. This signature is still present on the dials and plates of clocks created in that period of time. Le Roy’s son Charles-Louis learned the art of watchmaking from his father and in 1828 became his partner; the company name changed to Le Roy & Fils, Horloger des Ducs de Chartres et de Bourbon puis Horloger du Roi et du Duc d’Orléans (clockmaker to the king and the Duke of Orléans). From 1835 on, the company expanded in all directions and was appointed Horlogers de la Marine. it was extremely successful for many years and at times had a staff of 50 employees. In 1854 Le Roy & Fils set themselves up in London, to conquer the English court. A branch was opened in Regent Street, to be followed by another in New Bond Street. In 1863 Queen Victoria issued the "Royal Warrant of appoinment" to Leroy & Sons, which entitled the company to use the highly coveted title "watchmakers to the Queen" It was a great honour for a French company because Le Roy is the only non-english house to carry that title. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movm.: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.