Michiel 2005's photos with the keyword: controleur de rondes

Night watchmen had to insert their key and turn it, so their rounds would be recorded.

Another picture of a similar device in France: www.flickr.com/photos/lorentey/42636392 Also this page on the history of the Collin company: www.horloge-edifice.fr/Horlogers/Collin_Armand_Francois.htm