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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Drocourt Giant Carriage Clock for Martin & Co.

Partially verified

This 'Giant' size carriage clock was manufactured by the French clockmakers Drocourt for the retailer Martin & Co., based in Cheltenham, UK. The clock features a strike mechanism for the hours on a mellow gong and a push-repeat function activated via a button on the top. It is powered by a movement designed to run for a week on a single winding. The clock is accompanied by its original outer leather case and winding key, with both pieces sharing the serial number 9217, which is also stamped on the clock's backplate alongside the Drocourt oval mark. An inscription on the top of the carry handle states the piece was presented to the Reverend T.P. Little by the parishioners of Orenhall and Pauntley in 1883, providing a precise date for the object. The movement has been fully restored and serviced.

Front view of the Giant Drocourt carriage clock showing the dial and gilt case.
Front view of the Giant Drocourt carriage clock showing the dial and gilt 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
Drocourt
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1883
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
9217

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 Exterior Features

The clock is categorized as an exceptionally large or 'Giant' carriage clock. It features a gilt metal case with glass side panels, allowing a view of the movement from the side profiles. A carry handle is mounted to the top of the case, which serves as the site for a commemorative inscription.

The object retains its original leather outer case, which houses the clock. The leather case and the winding key are both numbered 9217, providing a direct link to the serial number found on the movement's backplate.

Evidence for this section
  • “exceptionally large or ‘Giant’ carriage clock”
  • “retains the original outer leather case and Key which are both numbered 9217”
  • “To The Rev'd T.P.Little, from the Parishioners of Orenhall and Pauntley 1883”

Movement and Function

The movement is contained within the gilt carriage clock frame and is signed with the Drocourt oval stamp on the backplate. The timekeeping mechanism is designed for a one-week duration on a single winding.

The clock includes an audible striking mechanism, characterized as a mellow gong strike for the hours. A push-repeat function is also incorporated, which is triggered by a button located on the top of the clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “The back plate is stamped with the Drocourt oval and numbered 9217”
  • “running for a week on a wind of the key”
  • “mellow gong strike for the hours and push repeat”

Production and Attribution

The clock was manufactured by Alfred and Pierre Drocourt, who operated a factory in Saint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont, a center for carriage clock production. Following manufacture, the clock was retailed by Martin & Co., based in Cheltenham, UK.

The inscription on the handle identifies the recipient as the Reverend T.P. Little, indicating the clock was a gift from the parishioners of Orenhall and Pauntley in 1883. This date establishes the chronological context for the production and distribution of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Alfred and Pierre Drocourt were superb clockmakers and had a factory in Saint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont”
  • “Co being one of them based in Cheltenham, UK”
  • “dating the clock exactly”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific material composition of the gilt case?
  • Are there any secondary hallmarks inside the case to support the date of 1883?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Drocourt Giant Carriage Clock for Martin & Co.
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDrocourt“made for them by Drocourt”
RetailerMartin & Co.“retailer Martin &”
Serial Number9217“numbered 9217”
Year of Manufacture1883“dating the clock exactly”
Striking MechanismHour strike and push repeat“mellow gong strike for the hours and push repeat”
Factory LocationSaint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont“had a factory in Saint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont”
DurationOne week“running for a week on a wind of the key”
Provenance InscriptionTo The Rev'd T.P.Little, from the Parishioners of Orenhall and Pauntley 1883“To The Rev'd T.P.Little, from the Parishioners of Orenhall and Pauntley 1883”

Visible details

  • Engraved inscription on the top handle
  • Gilt metal case with glazed side panels
  • Engraved floral gilt dial surround
  • Roman numeral chapter ring

Research qualifications

  • The restoration history is mentioned but the extent of replacement parts is not specified
  • Attribution to Drocourt is based on the backplate stamp and retailer association

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

Consulted source

Rare Cased Giant Drocourt For Martin & Co.

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d355e9224a

Terms in this record

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

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