An 18th Century Regence Period, Ormolu Mounted, Boulle Marquetry Cartel, by Des. Maret A Laon. Circa 1720

The waisted case of Violin form, with tortoise shell and fine foliate brass inlay, surmounted by a figure of winged Victory. The door with the shepard Daphnis assending and holding a key,  embellishments with bronze foliate ormolu and C-scrolled mounts to the sides, and bracket, on scrolled foliate feet. The circular ormolu dial, with individual white enamel Roman cartouche chapters and Arabic 5 min chapters,  original cut steel hands, signed ‘ DES MARET A LAON ‘ on the centre enamel plaque, the movement with rectangular plates joined by vase shaped back-pinned pillars, with twin barrel and verge escapement with silk suspension, with calibrated count wheels and strike on bell above, the back plate signed ‘ DES MARET A LAON ‘ with door key, winding key.

H: 124cm,  W: 45cm,  D: 22cm.