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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Alarm clock

French Alarm Clock in Burr Walnut Case

Partially verified

This 19th-century French alarm clock, dating to approximately 1840, is constructed with a burr walnut case featuring a brass carrying handle at the top. The base is supported by three integrated feet and finished with an ebonised cavetto moulding, which reportedly houses a bell for the alarm mechanism. The clock features a white enamel dial, 2 and 3/4 inches in diameter, displaying Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and Breguet-style hands. The number 18755 is printed on the dial above the hand axis. Mechanical operation is driven by a movement equipped with a platform escapement and a steel balance wheel. A small brass sub-dial at the rear of the movement facilitates alarm setting. The auction description reports that the clock has been fully serviced and overhauled, remaining in good working order without damage to the wood, dial, or mechanical components.

Front view showing the burr walnut case, brass handle, and white enamel dial with Roman numerals.
Front view showing the burr walnut case, brass handle, and white enamel dial with Roman numerals. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Alarm clock
Maker / attribution
Victor Athanase Pierret
Reference
18755
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1840
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
18755

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 Construction

The clock is housed in a case of burr walnut with a plain finish. It is surmounted by a brass carrying handle. The base assembly includes a pedestal structure with a recessed ebonised cavetto moulding, resting on three integrated feet. According to the source, the bell for the alarm is contained within this base section.

The white enamel dial measures 2 and 3/4 inches in diameter. It is marked with black Roman numerals and a minute track, complemented by Breguet-style hands. A gilt slip frames the dial, and the numeric identifier 18755 is positioned on the dial surface above the center arbor.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از چوب گردوی ریشه‌دار (burr walnut) با کناره‌های صاف ساخته شده”
  • “بخش پایینی ساعت روی یک پایه ستونی با حاشیه فرورفته آبنوس‌کاری‌شده (ebonised cavetto) و سه پایه یکپارچه استوار شده”
  • “صفحه ساعت از جنس مینای سفید با قطر ۲ و ۳/۴ اینچ است”
  • “لبه‌های صفحه با یک قاب باریک طلاکاری‌شده (gilt slip) تزیین شده”

Movement and Mechanical Details

The movement is accessed via a hinged rear door, which reveals a brass backplate. It incorporates a platform escapement fitted with a steel balance wheel and an S/F regulation lever. The rear of the movement contains a small brass sub-dial used for alarm adjustment, alongside winding squares for the time and alarm functions.

The alarm is set by winding the thin arbor on the lower left and aligning the indicator to the desired time. The auction house reports that the clock has undergone a full service and overhaul, confirming it is in working condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای چرخ‌دنگ سکویی (platform escapement) مجهز به چرخ تعادل فولادی”
  • “یک صفحه مدرج فرعی کوچک برنجی در پشت موتور برای تنظیم ساعت زنگ تعبیه شده”
  • “نحوه تنظیم زنگ بر مبنای فاصله ساعتی از زمان جاری است”
  • “ساعت کاملاً سرویس و اورهال شده و در وضعیت کاری عالی قرار دارد”

Attribution and Condition

The clock is attributed to the French maker Victor Athanase Pierret, a conclusion reached by the seller based on the overall design aesthetics and the configuration of the movement.

The auction description reports that the object is in excellent condition, noting that there is no damage to the wooden case, the dial, or the internal mechanism. The clock is provided with a winding key.

Evidence for this section
  • “انتساب ساخت به ساعت‌ساز فرانسوی Victor Athanase Pierret بر اساس سبک کلی طراحی و نوع موتور صورت گرفته”
  • “آسیبی در بدنه چوبی، صفحه یا موتور دیده نمی‌شود”
  • “همراه با کلید کوک ارائه می‌شود”

Open research questions

  • What evidence exists to link the serial number 18755 to Victor Athanase Pierret's production records?
  • Are there secondary marks on the movement plates to confirm the attribution?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Alarm Clock in Burr Walnut Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVictor Athanase Pierret“منتسب به Victor Athanase Pierret”
Datecirca 1840“حدود ۱۸۴۰”
CountryFrance“فرانسه”
Case materialBurr walnut“چوب گردوی ریشه‌دار (burr walnut)”
Dial diameter2 3/4 inches“۲ و ۳/۴ اینچ”
EscapementPlatform escapement“چرخ‌دنگ سکویی (platform escapement)”

Visible details

  • Burr walnut case with brass top handle
  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Breguet-style hands
  • Integrated three-foot base with ebonised moulding

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to Victor Athanase Pierret is based on style and movement type rather than a signature
  • Alarm mechanism operation relies on the specific sequence described by the seller

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

Consulted source

A 19th French Alarm Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a177337a0a

Terms in this record

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

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