An fine and very rare late 17th century French silver-inlaid ebony 'Pendule Religieuse' of small...

An fine and very rare late 17th century French silver-inlaid ebony 'Pendule Religieuse' of small size John Joyne, Paris, circa 1680 The rectangular case with low arch surmounted by three silver foliate bud finials over a well moulded cornice, the tympanum centred by the silver inlaid figure of an eagle with outstretched wings picked out in fine engraved lines, framed by mythical winged birds heads within delicate scrollwork; to the sides, shaped glazed rectangular panels are enclosed by engraved heads, birds and cherubs, the front door similarly enriched with inlaid female terms to the four corners, the whole raised on a moulded base and four silver bun feet, the rear door solid and inlaid to the interior with exotic hardwood, a pair of irons suspension eyes and the bell sit on top. The 4.75 inch rectangular ebony dial inlaid with delicate silver scrolls, birds, flowerheads and a monkey. The solid silver chapter ring with every minute engraved around the edge and bold Roman numerals framed by fancy half-hour markers, supported to the lower corners by a pair of rampant heraldic lions, signed below VI on an inlaid drapery cartouche held by a pair of cherubs John Joyne Paris. The silver hands finely pierced and engraved with the minute hand tip made of blued steel to differentiate from the silver chapter. The 30 hour movement with rectangular plates united by four vase-shaped pillars, with a single spring barrel driving both trains, the going train with verge escapement with short pendulum hung on silk between Huygens' cycloidal cheeks and terminating in a light lenticular bob; the strike train using a solid outside countwheel mounted on the backplate with fettled steel pointer and intricately worked steel gates driving the vertical hammer sounding on the bell above. Running and striking. 30cms (11.5 ins) high Footnotes: John Joyne, born around 1647 in Paris, was a skilled watchmaker and political conspirator. He apprenticed under John Smith in London in 1660 and became free of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1687, avoiding earlier membership to sidestep fees. Aside from clockmaking Joyne is infamous for his role in political intrigue, including aiding the rogue John Scott and conspiring with Samuel Pepys during England's turbulent Restoration era. Though he continued his craft into 1697, Joyne's life fades from the record thereafter. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing