An attractive French Louis XV ormolu quarter repeating 'cartel d'alcove' timepiece, Beeckaert, mid 18th century

12.5-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals signed Beeckaert A Paris, reverse signed Jouve, fine foliate pierced and engraved gilt hands, similarly signed movement with knopped pillars converted to Brocot escapement, pull quarter repeating on a bell, shaped ormolu case surmounted by a foliate scroll, further scrolling leaves and flowers to the sides with paterae trellis and flanking the lenticle above shaped base

Jean-François Beeckaert became master clockmaker in 1746 and was working in the Rue du Petit Bourbon. Later he is recorded working in the Rue de Busy and Rue de Coutellerie until 1783. Lit.; Tardy, Dictionnaire des Horlogers Français, pp.39.