THE DIAL AND MODEL BY JEAN-SIMON DE VERBERIE, CIRCA 1795

Both the dial and the model of this unusual clock are by the Parisian clock-maker and bronzier Jean-Simon De Verberie (1764-1824) as it appears in a set of signed drawings now at the Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris. (C. Vignon, 'Deverberie et Cie: Drawings, Models and Works of Art in Bronze', Cleveland Studies in the History of Art, 2003, vol.8, p.174, fig. 1.26). Deverberie produced many of these cases which were purchased by clockmakers in the provinces. He also acted as a marchand-mercier and a sale catalogue describes candelabras, chandeliers, chenets and fire grates in addition to clocks. (Op. cit, p. 184). By 1800, he was established at rue Barbet in Paris. Four years later he was at Boulevard du Temple and from 1812 until his death around 1824 his business Deverberie & Compagnie was based at rue des Fosse du Temple.