A spring-driven table clock, signed both on a silvered cartouche in the arch and the backplate Nicolas De Beefe A Malines, c. 1740. The stained-cherrywood case with moulded bell top, surmounted by a gilt-brass carrying handle and finials, has a drawer in the moulded base, holding the original winding key. The 8-inch arched dial with mask-and-scroll spandrels, foliate engraved centre has a date aperture and central alarm disc, strike/silent lever at XII (sonne/silence). The eight-day movement is driven by springs in spring barrels and has verge escapement, Dutch striking on two bells differing in pitch, the alarm acting on the larger bell. The backplate is engraved with foliate scrolls, winged musicians and signed in a cartouche. • Height: 53cm. • The maker, Nicolas De Beefe (1691-1767), was apprenticed to his father. Later he became the official Clockmaker to the City of Mechelen from 1741 to 1763. He came from the illustrious De Beefe (or De Befve) family of clockmakers from Liège.