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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

French Eight-Day Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This eight-day carriage clock is attributed to French manufacture and dates to approximately 1850. The piece is constructed with a bronze gorge-style case and features ormolu-finished decorative elements, including fluted columns with capitals. The timekeeping mechanism is equipped with a platform escapement, which is visible through a glazed viewing window located on the top of the case. The clock features an enamel dial signed 'Brook & Son, Edinburgh', indicating the retailer for the French-made movement. It utilizes a gong-striking mechanism and includes a double-ended winding key. The dimensions are recorded as 15.5 cm in height with the handle raised, 8 cm in width, and 7 cm in depth.

View of the carriage clock showcasing the bronze gorge case, the enamel dial signed by the retailer Brook & Son, and the top-mounted platform escapement viewing window.
View of the carriage clock showcasing the bronze gorge case, the enamel dial signed by the retailer Brook & Son, and the top-mounted platform escapement viewing window. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Brook & Son (Retailer)
Reference
2057
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1850
Source-reported place
France

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 Construction

The clock is housed in a bronze gorge-style case, described as a single-piece construction. All sides of the casing are fitted with beveled glass panels, allowing for internal visibility of the movement.

The top of the case is mounted with a turned carrying handle. A specific window is integrated into the top section, which serves to display the platform escapement while the clock is in operation. The exterior finish is reported to be original, though the auction description notes slight signs of age corresponding to the object's history.

Evidence for this section
  • “Georgian gorge Bonze Ormolu case”
  • “Beveled glass panels to all sides”
  • “Original platform escapement with viewing window”
  • “Original finish to the case”

Movement and Dial

This carriage clock is powered by an eight-day movement of French origin. The timing mechanism features a platform escapement, a component visible through the top glazed aperture. The clock also contains a gong-striking function, allowing for periodic audible time indication.

The dial is composed of enamel and serves as the mounting point for the hands. It is marked with the name of the retailer, 'Brook & Son, Edinburgh'. The seller reports that the movement is in working order and is supplied with a double-ended winding key for maintenance and operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock is an 8 day French carriage clock”
  • “Gong striking”
  • “Original enamel dial”

Condition and Provenance

The auction description reports that the object maintains its original finish. It is noted to be in working order and recently serviced, though the seller advises prospective owners to inspect the provided photographic documentation to evaluate the condition relative to its age.

The clock exhibits minor signs of age-related wear on the bronze and ormolu surfaces. The retailer signature suggests the clock was sold through the Edinburgh firm Brook & Son, though the manufacturing source remains attributed to France.

Evidence for this section
  • “Working Order, recently serviced”
  • “Good condition for age, showing slight signs of age to the case”

Open research questions

  • Identify the French workshop responsible for the movement based on internal markings
  • Determine the production relationship between the French movement maker and the Edinburgh retailer

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Eight-Day Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFrench made“French made”
Datecirca 1850“Circa 1850”
Dimensions15.5cm x 8cm x 7cm“Measures 15.5cm high with handle up by 8cm wide & 7cm deep”
StrikingGong striking“Gong striking”
EscapementOriginal platform escapement“Original platform escapement with viewing window”

Visible details

  • Enamel dial signed 'Brook & Son, Edinburgh'
  • Gong striking mechanism
  • Glazed panels on all sides of the case
  • Turned carry handle

Research qualifications

  • Retailer signature does not confirm specific French workshop
  • Origin stated as 'French made' by source without maker's mark

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

Consulted source

Georgian gorge Bonze Ormolu case Antique French 8-Day Carriage Clock C1850

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5eb6316570

Terms in this record

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

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