Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Couaillet Frères French Gilt Brass Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This French gilt brass carriage clock is attributed by the source to maker Couaillet Frères circa 1890. The rectangular case features rounded corner columns resting on turned feet, an upper folding handle, and beveled glass panels enclosing a white rectangular dial. The dial displays black Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track with diamond and dot accents, and blued or blackened hands, with the inscriptions 'FRANCE' beneath the six o'clock position and 'ADOLPH KAHN' along the lower portion. The cataloguing records an overall height of 5 1/2 inches with the handle raised, accompanied by a traveling case and key.

Front view of the French gilt brass carriage clock with dial inscribed Adolph Kahn
Front view of the French gilt brass carriage clock with dial inscribed Adolph Kahn — Merrill's Auctioneers and Appraisers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Couaillet Frères
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0283
Source-reported date
ca 1890
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 Architecture and Visible Presentation

The timepiece is housed in a gilt brass carriage clock case flanked by rounded corner pillars on turned feet and surmounted by a folding handle. The sale description notes beveled glass, and the primary dial plate is enclosed behind a beveled front glass panel.

The catalog records an overall height of 5 1/2 inches with the handle raised. No views of the movement plates or interior case components are provided in the source photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Couaillet Freres French gilt brass carriage clock”
  • “Gilt brass case flanked by rounded corner pillars on turned feet and topped with a folding handle”
  • “beveled glass”
  • “ht 5 1/2" with handle”

Dial Configuration and Inscriptions

The white rectangular dial face features a black Roman numeral chapter ring indicated by spade-style hands.

Direct visual observation records two inscriptions on the dial face: the lettering "ADOLPH KAHN" is marked below the chapter ring, and "FRANCE" appears beneath the VI numeral marker.

Evidence for this section
  • “White rectangular dial face marked with 'ADOLPH KAHN' below and 'FRANCE' beneath the VI numeral”
  • “Black Roman numeral chapter ring with spade-style hands”

Attribution and Source Limitations

The auction catalog attributes the clock to Couaillet Frères with an approximate date of circa 1890. However, the movement is not pictured, and no maker marks, serial numbers, or internal stamps are documented in the listing text.

A traveling case and a key are listed among the lot contents in the catalog description, but neither accessory is shown in the provided photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Couaillet Freres French gilt brass carriage clock”
  • “ca 1890”
  • “with traveling case, ca 1890, beveled glass, key”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement backplate bear a Couaillet Frères trademark, serial number, or production stamps?
  • What specific business role did Adolph Kahn have in relation to this clock (such as retailer, jeweler, or importer)?
  • What type of escapement and striking or repeating mechanism is installed in the movement?
  • What is the physical description and condition of the unphotographed traveling case and key mentioned in the listing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Couaillet Frères French Gilt Brass Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionCouaillet Frères“Couaillet Freres French gilt brass carriage clock”
Datecirca 1890“ca 1890”
Glass typeBeveled glass“beveled glass”
Height5 1/2 inches with handle“ht 5 1/2" with handle”
AccessoriesTraveling case and key“with traveling case, ca 1890, beveled glass, key”
Date attributioncirca 1890“ca 1890”
Included accessoriesTraveling case and key“with traveling case, ca 1890, beveled glass, key”

Visible details

  • White rectangular dial face marked with 'ADOLPH KAHN' below and 'FRANCE' beneath the VI numeral
  • Black Roman numeral chapter ring with spade-style hands
  • Gilt brass case flanked by rounded corner pillars on turned feet and topped with a folding handle
  • Beveled front glass panel enclosing the dial plate

Research qualifications

  • The dial is inscribed 'ADOLPH KAHN' (likely a retailer), while the listing attributes manufacture to Couaillet Frères without movement photographs to verify the maker mark.
  • The traveling case and key listed in the description are not pictured in the provided photograph.

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

Consulted source

Couaillet Freres French Carriage Clock - Jun 9, 2023 | Merrill's Auctioneers And Appraisers In Vt

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 9af9ef32c8

Terms in this record

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

Other carriage clock records