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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Drocourt No. 14993 Carriage Clock with Calendar

Partially verified

This French brass carriage clock is attributed to clockmaker Drocourt and dated by the source to the third quarter of the 19th century, bearing serial number 14993. The brass case features an angular Greek-key style folding handle with a reeded central grip. Set within an engine-turned textured gilt mask, the main circular white porcelain dial displays Roman numeral hours, outer Arabic five-minute numerals, and blued moon hands. Directly beneath are three subsidiary dials displaying the day of the week, date of the month, and months of the year. The source reports an eight-day signed movement bearing Drocourt's stamp.

Front view of Drocourt carriage clock No. 14993 showing dial, calendar subsidiaries, and case handle
Front view of Drocourt carriage clock No. 14993 showing dial, calendar subsidiaries, and case handle — Bushells Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Drocourt
Reference
1384043
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
3rd quarter of the 19th Century
Country
France
Source-reported serial
14993

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 Construction

The clock is housed in a brass case. The overhead carrying handle features an angular fret or Greek-key style pattern with a central fluted cylinder grip.

Reported dimensions are 19.05 cm in height (7.5 inches) including the handle, 10.16 cm (4 inches) in width, and 8.39 cm (3.3 inches) in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “Overhead carrying handle has an angular fret or Greek key pattern with a central fluted cylinder grip.”
  • “Height : 7.5 in (19.05 cm) Width : 4 in (10.16 cm) Depth : 3.3 in (8.39 cm)”

Dial Configuration

The main white porcelain dial displays Roman numeral hours, outer Arabic five-minute numerals, and blued steel moon hands, set within a gilded engine-turned mask.

Three subsidiary dials are located beneath the primary dial. While the source text lists these as 'alarm, day and date', visual observation indicates they display days of the week, numerical calendar dates (1-31), and months of the year.

Evidence for this section
  • “White porcelain main dial features black Roman hour numerals, Arabic minute markers at five-minute intervals, and blued steel moon hands.”
  • “Underneath are three subsidiary dials for the alarm , day and date which can be set from the rear of the clock.”
  • “Three lower subsidiary dials show days of the week (left), numerical calendar dates 1-31 (centre), and months of the year (right).”

Mechanism and Provenance

The clock is attributed to French maker Drocourt, marked with serial number 14993, and is dated by the source to the third quarter of the 19th century.

The movement is described as having an eight-day duration and bearing the Drocourt stamp. The dealer suggests the clock may have been made for the English market.

Evidence for this section
  • “A Drocourt No. 14993: Carriage Clock”
  • “The movement bearing Drocourt’s stamp and number”
  • “The fine quality movement of 8 day duration is signed and was possibly made for the English market.”

Open research questions

  • Does serial number 14993 align with confirmed Drocourt workshop records?
  • What physical evidence exists on the movement to corroborate the dealer's claim regarding the English market?
  • Can the calendar complication be verified through Drocourt's known mechanical variations?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Drocourt No. 14993 Carriage Clock with Calendar
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDrocourt“Creator : Drocourt (Clockmaker)”
Serial number14993“A Drocourt No. 14993: Carriage Clock”
OriginFrance“very rare carriage clock of French manufacture”
Period3rd quarter of the 19th Century“dating from the 3rd quarter of the 19th Century”
Power reserve8-day“The fine quality movement of 8 day duration is signed”
Height7.5 in (19.05 cm)“Height : 7.5 in (19.05 cm)”
Servicing StatusUndergoing professional service“currently being professionally serviced by Walsh of Purley Surrey”

Visible details

  • Overhead carrying handle has an angular fret or Greek key pattern with a central fluted cylinder grip.
  • White porcelain main dial features black Roman hour numerals, Arabic minute markers at five-minute intervals, and blued steel moon hands.
  • Three lower subsidiary dials show days of the week (left), numerical calendar dates 1-31 (centre), and months of the year (right).
  • Dial assembly is set within a finely engine-turned gilded mask inside a glazed brass carriage clock case.

Research qualifications

  • The source description mistakenly identifies the three subsidiary dials as 'alarm, day and date', whereas visual inspection clearly shows day, date, and month (JAN, FEB, MAR, etc.).
  • The movement and rear plate are not visible in the photograph; signed movement and serial stamping rely on dealer report.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: A Rare Drocourt No. 14993: Carriage Clock And Calendar Gold

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 60bba32d02

Terms in this record

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

Other carriage clock records