Y A French Louis XIV gilt brass mounted Boulle bracket clock Etienne Le Noir, Paris, early 18th century The rectangular five baluster pillar movement pinned at the rear, with large spring barrels and verge escapement regulated by half seconds disc bob pendulum with silk suspension, the backplate with large diameter external countwheel for sounding the hour and once at the half hour on a bell mounted within the superstructure of the case over engraved signature Estienne Le Noir A Paris to the lower margin, the 8.5 inch circular twelve-piece cartouche numeral dial with centre incorporating scroll cast decoration and an portrait bust of Louis XVI over a crown within chapter ring with enamel Roman hour numerals and rococo scroll cast borders and every minute numbered to outer track, with sculpted blued steel hands, the engraved cut brass and brown stained shell marquetry veneered case with cast winged putto surmount and gilt flambeau urn finials applied to the ogee shaped upstand veneered with figural scrollwork and with acanthus corner mounts over contra-parti frieze emerging from the sides of the gilt architectural moulded break-arch cornice, the front with heavy cast break-arch glazed hinged bezel enclosing scroll cast apron mount centred with a spread-eagle over enamel nameplate Estienne, Le Noir, AParis within floral trail and panel inlaid surround, the canted front angles applied with fine scroll-cast mounts incorporating musical trophies and the angled sides with brass bordered rectangular windows and further conforming mounts to rear over swollen marquetry decorated lower sections, the base with generous gilt brass scrolls flanking shaped apron centred with a female mask, on leaf cast bun feet, 81cm (32ins) high. Two generations of clockmaker with the name Etienne LeNoir were working at the time the current lot was made. Etienne LeNoir I was born in 1675 and died in 1739, whilst his son was born in 1699 and became a Master in 1717. Etienne LeNoir II was subsequently joined in partnership by his son Pierre-Etienne (born in 1724) after he became a Master in 1743 which lasted until around 1778 when Etienne II died.