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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Antique French carriage clock with leather travel case

Partially verified

This antique French carriage clock, dating to approximately 1870, is constructed in a 3/4 size format. The clock features a brass case decorated with engraved and chased ornamentation. The case design incorporates glass panels on the sides and a bevelled, oval glass window in the top to provide a view of the balance mechanism. A hinged carrying handle is attached to the top. The dial is finished in white enamel with Roman numerals for the hours and dark-coloured hands. Internally, the clock is powered by a two-train mechanical movement with an eight-day power reserve and a balance escapement. It is capable of striking the hours and half-hours on an internal bell and includes a repeat strike function activated by a push lever. The clock is accompanied by a protective leather-covered travelling case lined with red velvet, featuring a viewing window, brass handle, and lock.

The carriage clock shown alongside its accompanying leather travel case.
The carriage clock shown alongside its accompanying leather travel case. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1870
Source-reported place
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 and Dial Construction

The clock is housed in a 3/4 size brass case featuring extensive engraved and chased decorative motifs. The design integrates transparent glass panels on the sides, allowing for visibility of the internal components. A notable feature is the bevelled, oval glass window positioned on the top of the case, which provides a direct view of the balance assembly. The clock is fitted with a hinged, decorative carrying handle.

The dial is executed in white enamel, featuring Roman numeral hour markers and dark hands. The clock is stored in a dedicated leather travel case, which includes a red velvet-lined interior, a viewing window, and a brass handle and lock mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه‌ای برنجی با تزیینات قلم‌زنی و حکاکی بسیار ظریف”
  • “در اضلاع این قاب از شیشه‌های شفاف و در سقف آن از یک پنجره شیشه‌ای بیضی‌شکل با لبه‌های پخ‌خورده (تراش‌خورده) استفاده شده”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is driven by a two-train French movement designed with an eight-day power reserve. It utilizes a balance escapement to regulate timekeeping. The movement is configured to strike the hours and half-hours on an internal bell.

Additional functionality includes a repeat strike mechanism, which is manually activated by a push lever. No information regarding the current working condition of the strike train or the repeat function is provided by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور دو قطاره (Two-train) ساخت فرانسه با ذخیره کوک ۸ روزه”
  • “قابلیت زنگ‌زدن در فواصل ساعت و نیم‌ساعت را بر روی کاسه زنگ (Bell) داراست. همچنین این ساعت مجهز به سیستم تکرار زنگ (Repeat strike) است”

Condition and Collector Considerations

The auction description notes that there is no official record regarding recent servicing or ongoing operational performance of the movement. Prospective owners are encouraged to inspect the clock for the condition of the springs and the status of the balance jewels.

Further examination is recommended to verify the integrity of the enamel dial and ensure the glass panels, including the top oval window, are free of cracks or chips.

Evidence for this section
  • “گزارش رسمی از آخرین سرویس یا وضعیت کارکرد مداوم توسط منبع درج نشده است”
  • “برای مجموعه‌داران ضروری است سلامت تمامی فنرها، عملکرد زنگ و تکرار، سلامت سنگ‌های بالانس و عدم ترک‌خوردگی در شیشه‌ها و صفحه مینا را از نزدیک یا از طریق کارشناس ارزیابی نمایند.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker marks or serial numbers visible on the movement plates not captured in the provided images?
  • Does the brass plate on the leather case carry a specific retailer or military inscription?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique French carriage clock with leather travel case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Periodcirca 1870“حدود ۱۸۷۰”
Country of originFrance“فرانسه”
StrikingHours and half-hours on a bell with repeat strike“قابلیت زنگ‌زدن در فواصل ساعت و نیم‌ساعت را بر روی کاسه زنگ (Bell) داراست. همچنین این ساعت مجهز به سیستم تکرار زنگ (Repeat strike) است”
Case dimensions3/4 size“ابعاد سه‌چهارم (3/4 size)”

Visible details

  • Engraved and chased brass case decoration
  • Oval bevelled glass window on top for balance view
  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Leather travel case with red velvet interior

Research qualifications

  • Official service history not documented
  • Specific operational status of springs, strike mechanism and balance jewels unverified

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

Consulted source

Antique French Carriage Clock with case C1870

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record def1d8caa5

Terms in this record

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

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