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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Henry Capt Mignonette Grande Sonnerie Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This Henry Capt carriage clock is described as a 'mignonette' size Grande Sonnerie model, produced in Geneva, Switzerland. Dating to 1890, the clock features a gorge-style brass case with an accompanying leather-covered travel case. The white enamel dial is inscribed with the maker's name and location, displaying Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes, with a secondary dial for the alarm. The movement is an 8-day mechanism equipped with strike, alarm, and push-repeat functions. The interior backplate is engraved with the number 95. The clock stands at 104 by 71 by 62 mm.

Front view of the Henry Capt mignonette carriage clock showing the dial and gorge case.
Front view of the Henry Capt mignonette carriage clock showing the dial and gorge case. — The Clock & Watch Shop. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
theclockandwatchshop.co.uk
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Henry Capt
Reference
CL-CA-1456
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1890
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
95

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 brass gorge-style case, a design characterised by its stepped moulding at the base and top. The clock measures 104 by 71 by 62 mm, and is categorized as a mignonette size.

The white dial features Roman numerals for the hour track and an outer ring of Arabic numerals for the minute track, which are arranged in intervals of five. A smaller subsidiary dial is located at the bottom of the main display, intended for the alarm function. The name 'Henry Capt Geneve' is printed on the upper section of the dial face.

Evidence for this section
  • “The gorge case is wonderful and has an outer protective leather covered travel case.”
  • “The dial is perfect and painted with Roman numerals and outer Arabics for the minutes, which is always attractive.”

Movement and Functions

This clock operates on an 8-day movement, designed to function for over a week on a single winding. It incorporates a 'Grande Sonnerie' striking system, which strikes both the hours and the quarters automatically. The clock also includes a push-repeat function, allowing the user to trigger the strike on demand, as well as an alarm mechanism.

The movement is accessible through the glass side panels of the case, and the backplate is marked with the number 95.

Evidence for this section
  • “A fine and perfectly proportioned small 'Grande Sonnerie' carriage clock with alarm, strike and push repeat.”
  • “The backplate is engraved with the number 95.”

Provenance and Manufacturer

The clock is attributed to Henry Capt, a maker operating in Geneva, Switzerland. The auction description notes that the business involved both a father and son sharing the same name, both of whom were active from the early 1840s. The firm produced various decorative carriage clocks for customers.

The description suggests the manufacture date of the object is 1890. The item is identified by the SKU CL-CA-1456 in the current record, with no additional information regarding previous ownership provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “Henry Capt was an exceptional maker and his father who bears the same name. Father and son were based in Geneva, Switzerland from the early 1840's and produced many exceptional and highly decorative carriage clocks for the discerning customer.”
  • “Date 1890”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement contain additional maker's marks besides the backplate engraving?
  • Can the manufacture date be verified against known Henry Capt serial number records from the late 19th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Henry Capt Mignonette Grande Sonnerie Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHenry Capt“Henry Capt”
Model typeGrande Sonnerie“Grande Sonnerie”
Case styleGorge case“The gorge case is wonderful”
Backplate engraving95“The backplate is engraved with the number 95.”
Dimensions104 x 71 x 62 mm“104 × 71 × 62 mm”

Visible details

  • Brass gorge-style case
  • Secondary alarm dial at the bottom of the main dial
  • Visible movement components through the side glass panel
  • Integrated top handle for transportation

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the specific 'Henry Capt' (father or son) is not confirmed
  • The 1890 date is provided by the auction description without explicit evidence cited

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

Consulted source

Henry Capt, mignonette ‘Grande Sonnerie’ Carriage Clock.

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b377b094ef

Terms in this record

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

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