166 - Le Roy & Fils - Precision Pendulum Regulator

Le Roy & Fils - Precision Pendulum Regulator A museum-quality, classical-style Parisian longcase precision pendulum clock—one-month power reserve Movement No. 11532, Dimensions 2040 mm, circa 1840, Origin: France Case: Oak, veneered in ebony, with a stepped plinth and breakfront, glazed door and side panels, a molded projecting cornice, and a straight cornice top. Dial: Enamel, central seconds. Movement: Solid trapezoidal brass movement, 4 screwed movement pillars, finely toothed going train of the very highest quality, Graham escapement with sapphire pallets, weight-winding mechanism with power-maintaining 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 in 1785 at the Palais Royal, 13 & 15 Galerie Montpensier, which remained the family’s address for more than a century. Le Roy was highly regarded by the royal family and the court and was always welcome at the Louvre. He was famous for his perfect and marvelous clocks and wall clocks, which were very popular in numerous palaces and stately homes throughout 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 during that period. Le Roy’s son, Charles-Louis, learned the art of watchmaking from his father and became his partner in 1828; the company name changed to Le Roy & Fils, Horloger des Ducs de Chartres et de Bourbon, and later to Horloger du Roi et du Duc d’Orléans (clockmaker to the king and the Duke of Orléans). Beginning in 1835, the company expanded in all directions and was appointed Horlogers de la Marine. It enjoyed tremendous success for many years and at times employed a staff of 50. In 1854, Le Roy & Fils established themselves in London to win over the English court. A branch was opened on Regent Street, followed by another on New Bond Street. In 1863, Queen Victoria issued the “Royal Warrant of Appointment” to Le Roy & Sons, which entitled the company to use the highly coveted title “Watchmakers to the Queen.” It was a great honor for a French company, as Le Roy is the only non-English firm to hold that title. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, in working order; cleaning recommended.