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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

French Gilt Brass Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This French carriage clock dates to approximately 1880 and features a gilt brass Corniche-style case. The design incorporates a hinged handle and beveled glass panels on all sides, including an oval window on the top that reveals the lever escapement. The clock measures 16.5 cm in height, 9.5 cm in width, and 8 cm in depth. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals for the hours and includes minute markers with five-minute increments. The spade-style hands are crafted from blued steel. The movement is a mechanical, eight-day, two-train system designed to strike on the hour and half-hour using a coiled gong. The auction description reports that the movement has been fully overhauled and is in working condition. A winding key is provided with the piece. Surface gilding on the case shows minor signs of age.

Front view of the gilt brass carriage clock showing the enamel dial and spade hands.
Front view of the gilt brass carriage clock showing the enamel dial and spade hands. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
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 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 Exterior

It stands 16.5 cm tall with a base width of 9.5 cm and a depth of 8 cm. A functional hinged carrying handle is mounted to the top of the case.

Beveled glass panels are fitted to all sides, providing visibility of the internal components. An oval glass aperture at the top of the case allows for the inspection of the lever escapement mechanism. The gilding on the brass is reported to show minimal wear associated with its age.

Evidence for this section
  • “درون یک قاب کلاسیک مدل Corniche از جنس برنج طلاکاری‌شده قرار گرفته است”
  • “تمامی وجه‌های کناری قاب نیز مجهز به صفحات شیشه‌ای تراش‌خورده هستند”

Dial and Hands

The dial consists of a white enamel plate featuring black Roman numerals. The layout includes minute tracking with intervals marked every five minutes to facilitate precise reading. The clock is fitted with blued steel spade-style hands, which are set against the white enamel background to provide visual contrast.

The condition of the enamel dial is noted as intact, maintaining its original presentation without visible damage or restoration.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه ساعت از جنس مینای سفیدرنگ و سالم بوده و با اعداد رومی مشکی‌رنگ برای نمایش ساعت‌ها”
  • “عقربه‌های فلزی ساعت از نوع سرنیزه‌ای (spade hands) و از جنس فولاد حرارت‌دیده آبی‌رنگ”

Movement and Functionality

The clock is powered by an eight-day, two-train mechanical movement. This configuration enables the clock to strike on the hour and half-hour, utilizing a coiled gong to produce the audible signal. The oscillation is regulated by a lever escapement, which can be observed through the upper glass window.

According to the auction description, the clock has undergone a complete mechanical service and overhaul. It is currently reported to be in full working order and is supplied with a dedicated winding key.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای سازوکار مکانیکی کوکی هشت‌روزه با دو قطار دنده‌ای مستقل”
  • “این ساعت به‌طور کامل سرویس و بازآماد (overhaul) شده و در وضعیت کارکرد عالی به همراه کلید کوک عرضه می‌شود”

Open research questions

  • Are there any stamps on the movement plate indicating a specific maker?
  • Does the winding key show signs of original manufacture to this specific model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for French Gilt Brass Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1880“حدود ۱۸۸۰”
Country of ManufactureFrance“ساعت مسافرتی عتیقه فرانسوی”
Case StyleCorniche“قاب کلاسیک مدل Corniche”
Height16.5 cm“ارتفاع ۱۶.۵ سانتی‌متر”
Movement TypeEight-day two-train“موتور ساعت دارای سازوکار مکانیکی کوکی هشت‌روزه با دو قطار دنده‌ای مستقل”
EscapementLever“سیستم مهار اهرمی (lever escapement)”
Striking MechanismCoiled gong“زنگ زدن در ساعت‌ها و نیم‌ساعت‌ها را بر روی یک گونگ مارپیچی (coiled gong) هدایت می‌کند”

Visible details

  • Beveled glass panels allow visibility of the movement
  • Spade hands in blued steel
  • Folding carry handle attached to the top plate

Research qualifications

  • Serial number on the movement chassis is not provided
  • Authenticity of the maker's mark has not been confirmed by the source

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

Consulted source

A Late 19th Century Gilt Brass Carriage Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0ca69cc584

Terms in this record

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

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