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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

French 8-day carriage clock with bell strike

Partially verified

This French carriage clock is an 8-day timepiece featuring an enamel dial with Roman numerals and spade hands. The clock is constructed with beveled glass panels on all sides, providing visibility to the internal mechanism, and is topped with a handle. It is equipped with a platform lever escapement and includes an oval beveled viewing window at the top of the case to allow for observation of the balance assembly. The clock features a bell-striking mechanism that sounds on the hour and half-hour. Measuring 16cm in height with the handle raised, the clock measures 8cm wide by 7.5cm deep. It is provided with a double-ended winding key. The clock is reported to be in working order and retains its original finish, showing minor evidence of age.

Front view of the 8-day French carriage clock showing the enamel dial and spade hands.
Front view of the 8-day French carriage clock showing the enamel dial and spade hands. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1880
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
2378

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 carriage clock is housed in a brass-finished case characterized by a rectangular profile. All four sides feature beveled glass panels, allowing for light to penetrate the movement area. A matching beveled glass window is positioned on the top surface, directly above the platform escapement, facilitating a view of the balance wheel.

The dial is finished in white enamel and is marked with black Roman numerals for the hours. It is fitted with a pair of original spade hands, which are centrally mounted. The clock is topped with a metal carry handle attached to the upper carriage frame.

Evidence for this section
  • “Beveled glass panels to all sides”
  • “Enamel dial with roman numerals”
  • “Fine original spade hands”
  • “oval beveled viewing window to see the original platform balance in action”

Movement and Strike

This timepiece is an 8-day carriage clock. The internal mechanism includes a platform-mounted lever escapement. The clock is designed with a bell-striking function. It is configured to signal the time by striking the bell once for the half-hour and according to the hour for each full hour interval.

The movement is powered by a mainspring, which is accessed via the rear of the clock. A double-ended winding key is provided to wind the time and strike trains.

Evidence for this section
  • “8-day French carriage clock”
  • “Lever escapement platform escapement”
  • “It is bell striking, it strikes the half hour and the hour”
  • “comes complete with double ended winding key”

Condition and Maintenance

The auction description reports the clock is in working order and has undergone a recent service. The exterior surfaces retain what is described as the original finish, although there are minor signs of age present on the case.

All primary components, including the dial and hand assembly, are stated to be original.

Evidence for this section
  • “Working Order, recently serviced”
  • “Original finish”
  • “Good condition for age, showing slight signs of age to the case”
  • “Displays very well in its original case with all original features”

Open research questions

  • Are there any manufacturer marks stamped on the movement backplate?
  • What is the specific material composition of the case frame?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French 8-day carriage clock with bell strike
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker originFrance“French carriage clock”
DateCirca 1880“Circa 1880”
EscapementLever platform“Lever escapement platform escapement”
StrikingHalf-hour and hour“it strikes the half hour and the hour”
Dimensions16cm x 8cm x 7.5cm“Measures 16cm high with handle up by 8cm wide & 7.5cm deep”
SKU2378“SKU: 2378”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial with black painted Roman numerals
  • Platform escapement visible through an oval top window
  • Bell-striking mechanism located internally
  • Beveled glass panels on four sides of the case

Research qualifications

  • Maker is not identified in the provided source
  • Exact accuracy of timekeeping is not quantified

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

Consulted source

Exquisite Antique French Bell striking Carriage Clock – 8-Day Carriage Clock C1880

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 375190758f

Terms in this record

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

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