256 - Charles-Claude Maillard - Oignon with Alarm

Charles-Claude Maillard - Oignon with Alarm (*) A very beautiful and rare, one-handed Parisian Louis XIV "oignon" verge pocket watch with alarm Dimensions: 60 mm, circa 1700, Weight: 226 g, Origin: France Case: Silver, back with sound holes, rear bell. Dial: Brass, fire-gilt, elaborately chased, enamel cartouches with blue Roman numerals, rotating central gilt alarm disc with floral engraving. Movement: Full-plate movement, chain/fusee, 1 hammer, ratchet wheel mechanism, three-arm steel balance. The back of the silver case features small sound holes around the edge. The fire-gilt, chased brass dial has Baroque-style, domed white enamel cartouches with black enamel Roman hour markers and a single blued iron hand. The gilt alarm disc with floral engraving sits in the center and has a tulip-shaped hand. The magnificent fire-gilt full-plate movement features Egyptian pillars as well as an unusually large Louis XIV balance bridge with exquisite foliage decoration. The alarm mechanism is housed within an openwork barrel adorned with delicate floral tendrils. Charles-Claude Maillard was a prominent master watchmaker who was active between approximately 1700 and 1705. He worked in Paris at historic locations such as Rue Saint-Denis de la Châtre and Rue de la Pelleterie. He was married to Marguerite Vaillant. Historical documents mention him in connection with other watchmakers of that era, such as Charles Champion. Case: very good, worn. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.