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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

French 8-day gong-striking carriage clock

Partially verified

This large carriage clock is an eight-day striking timepiece dating to approximately 1890. It features a metallic case with straight lines and receded inset columns at each corner. The clock is fitted with five bevelled glass panels allowing visibility into the internal mechanism. The dial is white enamel with black Roman numerals and is equipped with original arrow spade-cut hands. The movement is a French eight-day gong-striking mechanism, which sounds on the hour and half-hour. It includes a lever ratchet escapement mounted on a silvered platform. The clock also features a repeat function. The overall dimensions of the piece are 19 cm in height with the handle raised, 16 cm with the handle lowered, 9 cm in width, and 8 cm in depth. The seller reports that the movement has been serviced and the clock is currently in working order.

Front view of the 8-day French carriage clock showing the enamel dial, spade hands, and inset corner columns.
Front view of the 8-day French carriage clock showing the enamel dial, spade hands, and inset corner columns. — 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 1890
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
JN4

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 clock is housed in a large brass or gilt-metal case, described as having a geometric design with straight, clean lines. A notable feature of the case design is the presence of receded inset columns at each of the four corners. The housing incorporates five bevelled glass panels, which provide viewing access to the movement.

The dial is a white enamel surface featuring black Roman numerals and original arrow spade-cut hands. The top of the case features a folding handle, which adjusts the height of the unit from 16 cm when folded to 19 cm when raised.

Evidence for this section
  • “5 bevelled glass panels to the case”
  • “Original arrow spade cut hands”
  • “Receded inset columns to each corner”
  • “Black Roman numerals”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by an eight-day movement of French origin. The striking mechanism operates on a gong and is configured to strike on both the hour and the half-hour. The clock additionally features a repeat mechanism.

The regulation of the clock is managed by a lever ratchet escapement. The escapement is mounted on a silvered platform, which is visible through the glass panels of the case. The seller reports that the movement has been fully serviced.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fully serviced French 8-day striking movement”
  • “Fully serviced and silvered platform escapement”
  • “Sought after repeat feature”
  • “Gong striking movement striking the hour and half hour”

Maintenance and Provenance

The clock is supplied with a double-ended winding key. The current seller indicates that the piece has undergone full servicing at Vintage Clocks and is currently confirmed to be in working order.

The listing provides a SKU of JN4 for identification purposes. The seller states that further documentation regarding the functionality of the clock is available via a video on their YouTube channel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Working order, fully serviced by me at Vintage Clocks”
  • “Comes with double ended winding key”
  • “SKU: JN4”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement bear any internal stamps or serial numbers typical of French carriage clock makers from the 1890s?
  • Is the 'lever ratchet escapement' a specific variation distinct from the standard lever platform escapement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French 8-day gong-striking carriage clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1890“This clock dates to around 1890”
Maker/OriginFrench“incredible French carriage clock”
Striking mechanismGong striking“Gong striking movement striking the hour and half hour”
EscapementLever ratchet“Wonderful original lever ratchet escapement”
Dimensions19cm (handle up) x 9cm x 8cm“Measures 19cm high with handle up 16cm high down by 9cm wide and 8cm depth.”
ConditionServiced and working“Working order, fully serviced by me at Vintage Clocks”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals
  • Five glass panels with bevelled edges
  • Receded inset columns at the corners of the case
  • Gong-striking movement with visible silvered platform escapement

Research qualifications

  • No maker's mark or signature is identified in the text or visible in the photos
  • The specific type of lever ratchet escapement is not fully detailed beyond the description

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

Consulted source

Interesting Mantel Clock Geometric Design with Enamel Dial – French 8-Day Gong Striking Carriage Clock with Repeat Feature.

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record be80f98336

Terms in this record

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

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