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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Dent Giant Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This carriage clock is categorized by the seller as a 'Giant' carriage clock, produced by the firm Dent. The clock features a gilded brass case and a white oblong dial. It is an eight-day movement with a soft gong strike and a repeat-on-demand function. The clock is inscribed on the dial with the maker's name, 'Dent', 'To The Queen', and the address '33 Cockspur St, London'. The back plate of the movement is stamped with the number 1897, while the front plate is stamped with the initials 'H.L.' The clock measures 120 x 160 x 260 mm and weighs 1 kg. The date of manufacture is placed by the seller at around the 1880s.

Front view of the Dent 'Giant' carriage clock in a gilded brass case.
Front view of the Dent 'Giant' carriage clock in a gilded brass case. — The Clock & Watch Shop. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
theclockandwatchshop.co.uk
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Dent
Reference
CL-CA-1564
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1870-1890
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
1897

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 design includes a top-mounted handle and glass panels on the front and sides, which allow for visibility of the internal movement.

The dial is white and oblong in shape, featuring black Roman numerals for the hours. Inscribed on the lower portion of the dial are the details 'Dent', 'To The Queen', and the address '33 Cockspur St, London'. The seller suggests that such large clocks were sometimes positioned in shop windows to attract the attention of passers-by.

Evidence for this section
  • “An exceptionally large or 'Giant' carriage clock”
  • “The front plate is stamped H.L.”
  • “This particular one may have adorned the window display of the 33 Cockspur Street address”

Movement and Mechanism

The clock operates on an 8-day movement. It is equipped with a striking mechanism that utilizes a soft-sounding gong. Additionally, the clock features a repeat-on-demand function, allowing the user to trigger the strike mechanism as needed.

The interior construction includes a front plate stamped with the initials 'H.L.' and a back plate stamped with the number 1897. These details identify the mechanical components as recorded by the current catalogue.

Evidence for this section
  • “It has a soft gong strike and repeat on demand.”
  • “The back plate is stamped and numbered 1897.”
  • “The front plate is stamped H.L.”

Dating and Attribution

The seller dates the object to the 1880s, noting the history of the firm Dent, which included the production of the clock for Westminster known as 'Big Ben'.

The auction description provides the date range of 1870-1890 in the technical specifications, while the narrative text suggests the 1880s.

Evidence for this section
  • “This fine clock would have been made around the 1880's”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific identity of the maker stamped 'H.L.'?
  • Does the number 1897 refer to a specific serial number series for Dent carriage clocks or a manufacturing year?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Dent Giant Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDent“maker Dent”
Serial number1897“The back plate is stamped and numbered 1897”
MarkingsH.L.“The front plate is stamped H.L.”
Dimensions120 x 160 x 260 mm“120 × 160 × 260 mm”
FunctionGong strike and repeat“It has a soft gong strike and repeat on demand.”

Visible details

  • Gilded brass case with handle
  • White dial with Roman numerals
  • Visible inner movement through side glass panels

Research qualifications

  • The exact year of manufacture is not definitively dated, given as 'around the 1880's'
  • The connection to the 33 Cockspur Street window display is presented as a possibility rather than a confirmed history

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

Consulted source

Rare Giant ‘Dent’ Carriage Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9b5bbd00ec

Terms in this record

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

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