An attractive 19th century timepiece or library clock in restrained ebonised case with bright white enamel dial with roman numerals inscribed Barling of Maidstone with blued steel hands and a gilded surround behind glass. The eight day french movement by Victor-Athanase Pierret, is stamped with his mark on the back plate.Victor-Athanase Pierret (1806 - 1893) was born 1806 in Bucy-les-Pierrepont. He began his five year apprenticeship with Rolin at the age of 13. Later he moved to Paris and settled in the Rue des Bons-Enfants no. 21 when he was 24. Victor-Athanase Pierret exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851 at Crystal Palace. He is recorded in 1855 patenting an 8-day power reserve movement. Pierret created his own watchmaking tools to increase his productivity. In 1865 he gave up half his house and retired to Neuilly, where he continued his researches. In 1885 he published a treatise entitled ''Horlogerie, outillage et mécanique''. Victor-Athanase Pierret died in 1893 and in hi...