Lot 235

Carlo Sangiusto, Milano, Height 180 mm, circa 1700
An early miniature "Orologio a lanterna" with alarm and verge escapement
Case: brass. Dial: brass. Movm.: brass movement, 1 hammer / 1 bell, 2 barrels, short pendulum.
"Vigilate et orate" – watch and pray is the motto inscribed on the dial below the exquisitely ornamented pediment of this small carriage or tabernacle clock created by clockmaker Carlo Sangiusto of Milan.
The Sangiusto clockmaking dynasty
Several members of the family - native of the Province of Como - were important clockmakers; most of them worked in Milan and were responsible for the maintenance of public clocks in the 17th and 18th century. The few pieces made by these renowned makers that have survived testify to their excellent skills and the superior quality of their work. They used only top-quality materials and were able to devise new and innovative solutions for particular mechanical problems. Some of their work is part of the Del Vecchio collection.
Source: Enrico Morpurgo: "Dizionario degli orologiai italiani", Milan 1974, (p.152)