Science, Technology & Clocks
Description:
Brass Fusee Engine by Ferdinand Berthoud, Paris, last quarter of the 18th century, vice held machine engraved on cutter frame Ferdinand Berthoud Fecit carried on a decoratively shaped frame with crank key adjustment, hand crank threaded advance, knurled thumb screws and beautifully made locking screws for main components all mounted on a walnut display block, lg. 8 in., together with Ferdinand Berthoud, 1727-1807, Horloger Mecanicien Du Roi et de la Marine (1884, Musee International d'Horlogerie, 343 pp.).
Note: Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807) settled in Paris at age 19 and flourished as a watchmaker and author of horological works. This tool is illustrated and discussed in Crom #2, pp. 457 and remains one of the few tools signed by this preeminent maker.
Estimate $2,000-2,500
The brass machine is in an old mellow patina, possibly the two wooden handle keys used to make adjustments are by association, no apparent missing elements, replacements or restortation.