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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

8-Day French Striking Carriage Clock, Kirk & Co. Limited Paris

Partially verified

Reported to date to circa 1900, this French-origin carriage clock is housed in a brass case with a matte finish, corner pillars, and an overhead hinged handle. An oval bevelled glass viewing port in the upper plate reveals the escapement platform. The white rectangular face features black Roman hour markers, outer minute demarcations, and dark blued-steel hands, with the inscription 'Kirk & Co Limited Paris' printed below the chapter ring. The seller describes the movement as an eight-day mechanism striking the full hours and sounding a single blow on the half hour.

Front view of the brass carriage clock with overhead handle and white Roman numeral dial
Front view of the brass carriage clock with overhead handle and white Roman numeral dial — Spencer James Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
antiques-atlas.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Kirk & Co Limited Paris
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as703a335 / 987
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Country
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Dimensions

This carriage clock features a brass case with a matte finish and an overhead hinged handle. The design includes bevelled edges on the glass panels.

The clock measures approximately 5 inches in height (excluding the handle) by 3.25 inches in width. The dealer indicates that the case exhibits some age-related marks.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is a Matt brass finish”
  • “all glass panels are bezelled edged”
  • “Size 5" plus the handle x 3.1/4" wide”
  • “The case does have some age marks”

Dial and Visual Features

The clock face is white with black Roman numerals and dark blued-steel hands. The name 'Kirk & Co Limited Paris' is inscribed on the dial below the chapter ring.

There is a small crack reported on the dial at the bottom of the left-hand corner.

Evidence for this section
  • “nice clear white dial with black numerals and dark blue steel hands”
  • “name on the dial Kirk & Co Limited Paris”
  • “the dial does have a small crack right at the bottom of the left hand corner”

Movement and Origin

Attributed to French origin and dating to circa 1900, the clock is described as an 8-day striking movement. It is equipped with its original platform escapement and strikes on the hour and once on the half-hour.

The movement is described by the dealer as clean and in working order. The 'Kirk & Co Limited' branding is present on the dial, though its role as retailer or maker is not explicitly defined in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “8 Day French made Striking carriage antique clock”
  • “original striking carriage clock would date to c1900”
  • “striking on the hour and once on the half hour”
  • “Still with original platform escapement”
  • “clock movement is nice and clean”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance or origin of 'Kirk & Co Limited' in the context of horological retail?
  • Are there specific internal movement stamps or identifiers typical of French carriage clocks from this era that distinguish makers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 8-Day French Striking Carriage Clock, Kirk & Co. Limited Paris
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
EscapementOriginal platform escapement“Still with original platform escapement”
Dial inscriptionKirk & Co Limited Paris“name on the dial Kirk & Co Limited Paris”
Striking functionStrikes hours and once on the half hour“striking on the hour and once on the half hour”
Dimensions5 inches plus handle by 3 1/4 inches wide“Size 5" plus the handle x 3.1/4" wide”
Case finishMatt brass finish“The case is a Matt brass finish”
Striking FunctionHourly and half-hourly“striking on the hour and once on the half hour”
Included AccessoriesDouble brass key“comes with a nice double brass key”
Dial ConditionSmall crack present“the dial does have a small crack right at the bottom of the left hand corner”

Visible details

  • Brass corniche-style carriage case with matte surface finish and overhead hinged handle
  • Oval bevelled glass viewing window set into the upper plate showing the platform escapement
  • White rectangular dial with Roman hour numerals and outer track minute divisions
  • Dark blued-steel hands centered on the dial
  • Dial marked below the chapter ring with retailer or maker signature 'Kirk & Co Limited Paris'

Research qualifications

  • Movement condition, back door, and striking mechanism components are obscured from view
  • The seller notes a small crack at the bottom-left corner of the dial that is not clearly visible in this photograph
  • Kirk & Co Limited may represent a retailer rather than the actual manufacturer

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - 8 Day French Striking Carriage Clock C1900 as703a335 / 987

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 8afd37a13f

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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