Important Louis XVI Clock With Complications Signed Hessen

An important Louis XVI clock with complications. In chiseled and mercury-gilded bronze, original gilding of exceptional quality; it is topped with an incense burner holding large laurel garlands. The white enamel dial is signed: “Hefsen in Paris”; it indicates the dates and months. It rests on a chiseled and gilded bronze base decorated with acanthus friezes, quiver, bundle and knots; four gadrooned top legs. Movement in perfect working order, silk thread suspension and striking at the hours and half hours. HESSEN André. Of Swedish origin. Master's degree in Paris in 1775, active until 1791. He published a Mémoire on watchmaking in 1785 and was the patented watchmaker to HRH Monsieur, 1783-84, brother of the king, Count of Provence and future Louis XVIII. Dictionary of French watchmakers. TARDY p.297