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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Drocourt Gorge Case Repeater and Alarm Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This carriage clock by P. R. Drocourt is presented in a gilt-brass Gorge-style case, placed atop a specialized gilded base with figural corner supports. The white enamel dial is configured with Roman hour numerals, open-worked moon-tipped hands, and a lower auxiliary alarm dial with Arabic numerals. The dial bears an inscription for Drocourt Fabricant in Paris, which the dealer notes is also signed on the bottom plate. According to the seller, the movement strikes passing half hours, offers repeat on demand, and includes an alarm mechanism, bearing early serial number 4257.

Front view of the P. R. Drocourt Gorge carriage clock on its decorative gilt figural base
Front view of the P. R. Drocourt Gorge carriage clock on its decorative gilt figural base — Horlogerieclocks Zwolle / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
P. R. Drocourt
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1300096
Source-reported date
circa 1850
Country
France
Source-reported serial
4257

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 Stand

The clock is presented in a gilt-brass Gorge-style case fitted with a folding handle and an upper repeat button. It rests upon a decorative gilt basement stand supported at the corners by sculpted figures resembling winged sea-nymphs or mermen with fish tails.

The seller describes this plinth as a 'rarely seen own originally born basement which brings the whole aesthetics of the clock to a new level.' While promoted as original to the timepiece by the dealer, physical verification of the mounting and casting would be required to independently confirm contemporary assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “A Gorge case”
  • “With rarely seen own originally born basement which brings the whole aesthetics of the clock to a new level.”
  • “Decorative gilt basement stand supported by corner figures appearing as winged sea-nymphs or mermen with fish tails”

Dial Configuration and Inscriptions

The clock features a white enamel main dial with black Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, and open-moon Breguet-style hands. Below the center arbor sits an auxiliary enamel dial with Arabic numerals used for setting the alarm.

According to the source, the dial is signed 'Drocourt Fabricant, rue debelleyme paris', though the seller notes that the dial address is 'slightly faded'. The seller also discloses an 'invisible hairline in the right corner of the dial'.

Evidence for this section
  • “signed on the dial and on the bottom Drocourt Fabricant, rue debelleyme paris ( dial addres slightly faded).”
  • “invisible hairline in the right corner of the dial”
  • “Main white enamel dial marked with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track”
  • “Auxiliary enamel dial below the center featuring Arabic numerals for setting the alarm”

Movement Details and Seller Claims

The movement interior, escapement platform, and backplate are not visible in the provided image. Information regarding its mechanical functioning derives strictly from the seller's description, which states that it strikes 'when passing every half hour and on demand' and operates with an alarm.

The listing dates the piece to 'around 1850' and reports an '(early number: 4257)'. Additionally, the dealer records that the bottom plate is signed with the same Rue Debelleyme signature as the dial, claims that '[i]t runs and strikes', and notes that the clock '[c]omes with two keys.'

Evidence for this section
  • “it strikes when passing every half hour and on demand.”
  • “(early number: 4257)”
  • “around 1850”
  • “It runs and strikes,”
  • “Comes with two keys.”

Open research questions

  • What specific marks, stamps, or Drocourt trademarks are present on the movement backplate and platform escapement?
  • How does the basement stand secure to the base of the Gorge case, and do the mounting screw threads and gilt finish match the clock case?
  • Does the serial number 4257 appear stamped on the backplate, bottom plate, or case components?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Drocourt Gorge Case Repeater and Alarm Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerP. R. Drocourt“P. R. Drocourt carriage clock”
Serial Number4257“(early number: 4257)”
Datearound 1850“around 1850”
Case StyleGorge case“A Gorge case”
FunctionsRepeater striking and alarm“repeater striking and alarm carriage clock”
SignatureDrocourt Fabricant, rue debelleyme paris“signed on the dial and on the bottom Drocourt Fabricant, rue debelleyme paris”
Included AccessoriesTwo keys“Comes with two keys.”
Reported Operating ConditionRuns and strikes“It runs and strikes,”
Reported FlawHairline in the right corner of the dial“invisible hairline in the right corner of the dial”

Visible details

  • Gilt-brass Gorge-style case with folding handle and repeat push-button at the top
  • Main white enamel dial marked with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track
  • Auxiliary enamel dial below the center featuring Arabic numerals for setting the alarm
  • Decorative gilt basement stand supported by corner figures appearing as winged sea-nymphs or mermen with fish tails
  • Breguet-style open-moon hands on the primary dial

Research qualifications

  • Source notes an invisible hairline crack in the upper right corner of the dial
  • Seller notes dial address signature is slightly faded
  • Escapement, backplate, and movement interior are not visible in the photograph

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Repeater And Alarm Carriage Clock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3d58de583f

Terms in this record

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

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