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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Aiguilles Gilded Brass Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This Aiguilles carriage clock, dating to approximately 1885, features a gilded brass case and a sonnerie movement. The case is detailed with four fluted corner columns entwined with ribbon swags and is supported by four turned feet. It is topped with a swing handle that includes a central decorative grip. The clock is encased by five beveled glass panels, allowing visibility of the mechanical movement, with a top viewing aperture and a hinged rear door. The gilt dial displays a pierced central filigree panel, encircled by a ring containing black Arabic numerals, and is set with blued steel spade hands. The movement strikes on a gong and incorporates a selection lever on the underside to toggle between Silence and Quarts striking modes. The object is accompanied by a double-ended gilded brass winding key. The backplate is marked with the name Aiguilles and a serial number.

Front view of the gilded brass carriage clock, displaying the dial with Arabic numerals and filigree center, housed within a fluted-column case.
Front view of the gilded brass carriage clock, displaying the dial with Arabic numerals and filigree center, housed within a fluted-column case. — Willow Auction House (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Aiguilles
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
87
Source-reported date
c. 1885
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
361

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 and Dial

The carriage clock is housed in a gilded brass case measuring 6 1/2 inches in height by 4 inches in width and 3 1/2 inches in depth. Its architecture is defined by four fluted columns at the corners, which are embellished with ribbon swags and capped with domed finials. The clock rests on four turned feet and is equipped with a swing handle featuring a central decorative grip.

Visibility of the movement is provided by five beveled glass panels, including a top viewing window and a hinged door on the rear of the case. The gilt dial contains a central panel featuring pierced filigree work. Surrounding this are circular reserves containing black Arabic numerals, with the time indicated by blued steel spade-shaped hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “four fluted corner columns entwined with ribbon swags and topped with domed finials”
  • “Five beveled glass panels enclose the movement, including a top viewing aperture and a hinged rear door”
  • “The gilt dial is decorated with a central pierced filigree panel surrounded by a ring of circular reserves containing black Arabic numerals”

Movement and Striking

The timepiece utilizes a sonnerie movement that strikes on an internal gong. To manage the striking mechanism, a selection lever is located on the underside of the clock. This lever allows the user to switch between 'Silence' and 'Quartz' modes, providing versatility in the clock's audible function.

The auction description confirms that the movement is physically complete and clean. However, the operational status of the striking mechanism and the precision of the timekeeping have not been evaluated by the auction house.

Evidence for this section
  • “Aiguilles gilded brass carriage clock with a sonnerie movement”
  • “The mechanical movement strikes on a gong and includes a selection lever on the underside to choose between Silence and Quarts striking modes”
  • “The movement appears complete and clean; working order and timekeeping accuracy have not been tested”

Signatures and Marks

The clock includes specific identifying marks on its backplate. The inscription features the name 'Aiguilles' accompanied by a directional arrow. Additionally, the backplate displays the text 'PARIS' positioned above a shield-shaped cartouche containing the initials 'LF'. A unique serial number, '361', is also engraved on the backplate.

Furthermore, the underside of the clock base is etched with the labels 'Silence' and 'Quartz', corresponding to the settings of the striking selection lever located in that area.

Evidence for this section
  • “Marked on the backplate Aiguilles with a directional arrow, PARIS above a shield cartouche containing LF, and the number 361”
  • “the underside is marked Silence and Quartz”

Open research questions

  • What is the identity of the 'LF' initials found within the cartouche on the backplate?
  • Does the 'Aiguilles' signature refer to the specific maker or a retailer operating in Paris circa 1885?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Aiguilles Gilded Brass Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAiguilles“Marked on the backplate Aiguilles”
Datec. 1885“c. 1885”
Serial number361“and the number 361”
Dimensions6 1/2" H x 4" W x 3 1/2" D“6 1/2" H x 4" W x 3 1/2" D”
Movement typeSonnerie“Aiguilles gilded brass carriage clock with a sonnerie movement”
Case featuresFluted corner columns with ribbon swags“four fluted corner columns entwined with ribbon swags”
Striking optionsSilence and Quarts“includes a selection lever on the underside to choose between Silence and Quarts striking modes”

Visible details

  • Four fluted corner columns decorated with ribbon swags.
  • Central pierced filigree panel on the dial.
  • Selection lever on the underside marked 'Silence' and 'Quartz'.
  • Backplate signed 'Aiguilles' with a directional arrow and serial number '361'.

Research qualifications

  • Working order and timekeeping accuracy have not been tested.
  • The auction house notes that the absence of a condition report does not imply perfect condition.

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

Consulted source

Aiguilles Gilded Brass Carriage Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record bb9cf476d7

Terms in this record

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

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