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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

French Gilt Brass Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This French gilt brass carriage clock, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, features a glazed case with an integrated handle. The timekeeping mechanism is housed within a rectangular structure supported by four small feet and adorned with decorative filigree-style metalwork at the top and bottom edges. The clock face is an enameled dial featuring black Roman numerals for the hours. According to the auction description, the movement is marked "MADE IN FRANCE." The item is presented with a leather carrying case, although the leather shows signs of wear and loss. The clock exhibits various signs of age, including oxidation and surface scratches on the gilt brass components, and the enamel dial possesses damage near the numeral nine. The clock is currently missing its winding key.

Front view of the gilt brass carriage clock showing the enamel dial and glazed case.
Front view of the gilt brass carriage clock showing the enamel dial and glazed case. — John Moran Auctioneers / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
205744244
Source-reported date
Late 19th/early 20th century
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 and Design

The clock is housed in a gilt brass case characterized by its rectangular, glazed structure. The design incorporates glazed panels that allow for a view into the interior, secured by a metal frame with ornamental detailing along the base and the top gallery.

The clock rests upon four distinct feet, lifting the base slightly from the surface. The overall dimensions of the unit, including the handle, are 5 3/4 inches in height, with a width of 3 1/8 inches and a depth of 2 1/2 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The glazed case with handle housing a single-movement clock with enameled dial”
  • “Height with handle 5 3/4 in., width 3 1/8 in., depth 2 1/2 in.”

Dial and Movement

The clock face consists of an enameled dial that occupies the central portion of the front panel, set behind the glass. It is marked with black Roman numerals. The dial displays physical degradation, specifically described as losses to the enamel at the position of the numeral IX. The hand assembly remains visible, though the functionality of the movement is not detailed beyond the observation of the single-movement configuration.

The movement itself bears a marking that indicates the country of manufacture. The auction description notes that the movement is marked 'MADE IN FRANCE,' consistent with the period attribution of the late 19th or early 20th century. The clock is described as being sold without its winding key, which may impact future operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Marked to movement: MADE IN FRANCE”
  • “The dial with losses to enamel at IX.”
  • “Lacking winding key.”

Condition and Associated Items

The clock is accompanied by a leather carrying case intended for protection during transport. The current condition of this case is noted as having losses to the material. The primary object exhibits general signs of age consistent with historical use, including oxidation of the gilt brass, alongside minor surface damage such as scuffs and scratches on the metal housing.

The cumulative wear on the case and the damage to the enamel dial reflect the age of the object. No internal mechanism components are reported missing other than the winding key, and the primary structure appears largely intact despite the surface wear described.

Evidence for this section
  • “Losses to leather case.”
  • “The case with shelf wear, scuffs and scratches, and oxidation commensurate with age.”
  • “The dial with losses to enamel at IX.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer associated with the movement marked 'MADE IN FRANCE'?
  • Are there any identifiable maker's marks or stamps on the movement that could narrow the date range further?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Gilt Brass Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialgilt brass“gilt brass”
DateLate 19th/early 20th century“Late 19th/early 20th century”
SignatureMarked to movement: MADE IN FRANCE“Marked to movement: MADE IN FRANCE”
DimensionsHeight with handle 5 3/4 in., width 3 1/8 in., depth 2 1/2 in.“Height with handle 5 3/4 in., width 3 1/8 in., depth 2 1/2 in.”
Dial conditionLosses to enamel at IX“The dial with losses to enamel at IX.”
Included accessoriesLeather carrying case“within a leather carrying case”
Missing componentsWinding key“Lacking winding key.”

Visible details

  • The dial features black Roman numerals and a central hand assembly.
  • The case includes clear glazed panels on the front and sides for internal viewing.
  • The metalwork includes ornamental scrollwork and pilaster-style corner columns.
  • The clock sits on small, rounded feet and features a top-mounted swing handle.

Research qualifications

  • The exact manufacturer is not identified, as only the country of origin is marked on the movement.
  • The extent of internal mechanical integrity is not documented beyond the presence of a single movement.

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

Consulted source

A French gilt brass carriage clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 02cb23e9f7

Terms in this record

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

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