ONE OF THE BEST CLOCK OF ITS TYPE IN THE WORLD This unique astronomical musical clock was crafted at the legendary Paris-based clock making workshop of Julien and Pierre Le Roy in the second third of the 18th century, likely around 1740. During this time France was ruled by King Louis XV. and was a European centre of culture. This extremely rare Baroque console clock represents a beautiful example of the very finest French clock-making and cabinet-making artistry. Without doubt, it is one of the finest clocks of its type in the world. Such a highly decorative and mechanically complex clock is entirely unavailable on the world art market. Similar clocks just barely can be found amidst the collections of the world’s finest museums. Clocks of this type were custom-made for the wealthiest members of royal families and aristocracies. For example, King Louis XV. had a similar astronomical clock made for Madame de Pompadour. This particular clock comes from the Palais Daun-Kinsky, one of the most notable High Baroque palaces in Vienna. And this may have been a key factor why this masterwork remained preserved in such a fine condition. Period: 2nd third of the 18th century Clockmaker: Julien Le Roy, born in 1686 in Tours, France, died in 1759 in Paris Clockmaker: Pierre Le Roy, born in 1717 in Paris, died in 1785 at the same place Movement: verge escapement, duration of run 8 days, annual calendar, displays hour, minute, day of the week with astronomic symbols, months, position of the sun considering the length of the day, moon phase and moon calendar, zodiac signs, length of the month, retrograde date display, massive brass spring mechanism, triple steel string and screw, rod pendulum with a brass lens, suspension spring, Carillon quarter hour striking system upon a total of 10 bells, strikes and repetitions can be turned off. This clock plays a melody every 15 minutes, while on the hour it plays both a melody and strikes the respective number of hours. The clock’s indicator functions are located underneath the clock dial on a metal base plate. Dial: labelled Le Roy A Paris, hand-decorated enamel dials with rich Baroque ornamentation, original blued steel hands, handcrafted gold-plated sheet copper with relief ornaments, wrought iron base plate. Case: oak corpus, fire-gilted bronze (one bronze cast is signed), brass, mother-of-pearl and horn of various colour, authentic wall console, made from the same materials as the case itself. Condition: clock is in fully functional condition, signs of age and usage, the case, dials and movement is preserved in exceptionally good condition with minor damage. Size: 124 x 50 x 24 cm Total weight of the clock: 30 kg Provenance: from the estate of Prince Frantisek Oldrich Kinsky (1936 - 2009). This particular clock comes from the Palais Daun-Kinsky in Vienna. Literature: Palais Daun-Kinsky, Vienna, Freyung / Beiträge... von Hellmut Lorenz, 2001, page 202. Documentation concerning the origins of the clock includes photographs from the palace interior showing this clock displayed on a mantelpiece. Additionally, a book entitled Palais Daun-Kinsky, published in 2001, contains photographs of this clock printed on page 202. Literature: European Clocks in The J. Paul Getty Museum, ISBN 0-89236-254-5, California, 1996, page 185-190. This publication states that Julien Le Roy produced astronomical clocks of high technical quality. Literature: La Dynastie des Le Roy, Horlogers du Roi: Exposition, Musée des Beaux-arts de Tours, 11 avril-14 juin 1987, page 25, 64 and 65. Page 25 of the before mentioned book also states that Julien Le Roy created only three astronomical clocks until the year 1739. On a final note, it is important to add that this clock represents a discovery which significantly enriches our knowledge and understanding of the clock-making work of the Julien and Pierre Le Roy workshop. Such an outstanding clock can be ornament in any private collection or museum in the world.