P. Cuper Clock-Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1600
This clock-watch is an oval, two-train timepiece constructed from silver and gilt metal. Attributed to the Blois-based maker P. Cuper, it dates to approximately 1600.
The watch features a hinged glazed front cover, a tulip pendant, and a loose ring. The case back is inset with a silver panel engraved with two warriors, while the gilt brass case band is pierced with foliate and floral patterns. The dial is a gilded surface engraved with figures of Psyche and a winged nymph, centered by an applied silver chapter ring with radial champlevé Roman numerals. Internally, the watch uses a gilt brass full plate movement with early Egyptian pillars, a fusee and gut-line drive, and a verge escapement with a foliot.
It incorporates an hour-striking mechanism with a fixed barrel and a blued-steel count wheel. The watch measures 73 x 48 mm and includes a distinctive tulip-shaped hand.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1600
- Type
- Clock watch
- Maker
- P Cuper
- Escapement
- Verge with foliot
- Literature
- Sandberg book
- Place recorded
- France
- Case dimensions
- 73 x 48 mm
- Dial description
- Gilded, engraved with Psyche and a winged nymph
- Maker / attribution
- P. Cuper
- Movement dimensions
- 35.6 x 41.4 mm
Design
- Visible features
- • Oval shape with pierced gilt-brass case band • Silver inset on case back depicting warriors • Gilded dial with champlevé Roman numeral chapter ring • Blued-steel tulip-shaped hand
- Case and Dial Construction
- The timepiece is housed in an oval, two-body case fashioned from silver and gilt metal. The back of the case is set with a silver insert, which is finely engraved to display two naked warriors, each equipped with shields, swords, and plumed helmets, accompanied by dogs. The periphery of the case features a gilt brass band characterized by intricate piercing and engravings of foliate and floral motifs. Attached to the top is a tulip-style pendant with a loose ring. The dial is a gilded, hinged surface, elaborately engraved and chiselled to depict figures of Psyche and a winged nymph set amidst foliage. A rural scene, including mountains, is present in the center. Time is indicated via an applied silver chapter ring featuring radial champlevé Roman numerals and half-hour markers. A single blued-steel tulip hand indicates the hour, while an aperture at the 9 o'clock position allows for the adjustment of the striking function.
- Signatures and Attribution
- The piece is attributed to the clockmaker P. Cuper of Blois, with the signature found on the back plate. The object is associated with literature concerning the history of Blois and its watchmaking traditions, including works by L. de la Saussaye and Abbé Develle. Additionally, the clock-watch is noted in the Sandberg book on pages 42-43.
- Movement and Striking Mechanism
- The movement is of an oval configuration measuring 35.6 x 41.4 mm, utilizing a gilt brass full plate architecture and secured by early Egyptian-style pillars. Power is delivered via a fusee and gut-line assembly driving a short four-wheel train with five-leaf pinions. Regulation of the time is managed by a verge escapement equipped with a two-arm iron circular foliot. The striking mechanism is powered from a fixed barrel acting on a five-wheel train. The strikes are produced on an oval bell positioned inside the case. The sequence of strikes is governed by a blued-steel count wheel situated on the back plate, which is concealed by a gilded elongated pinned cock. This cock is pierced and engraved with the image of a child and an hour-glass.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Date of manufacture is an approximation provided by the source
- Research required: Biographical details of Paul Cuper's family are historical context provided by the source, not internal object markings