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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

J.W. Benson Petite Sonnerie Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This petite sonnerie carriage clock features a gilded gorge case of smaller than average size. It is signed on the dial for the retailer J.W. Benson, 25 Old Bond Street, London. The movement is an eight-day striking mechanism that includes a push repeat function and strikes the hours and quarters on two gongs. The clock is numbered 16949, and the source attributes the maker as Drocourt, citing the presence of the Drocourt stamp on the back plate and the Drocourt oval mark on the reverse of the dial. The clock is accompanied by an original Morocco leather-covered case.

Gilded gorge case carriage clock with white dial and J.W. Benson signature.
Gilded gorge case carriage clock with white dial and J.W. Benson signature. — The Clock & Watch Shop. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
theclockandwatchshop.co.uk
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Drocourt
Reference
CL-CA-1589
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1875-80
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
16949

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 gilded gorge case, noted to be slightly smaller than the average dimensions for this type of instrument. The design incorporates glazed panels which allow visibility of the internal brass movement from the sides and back.

The dial is white with Roman numerals for the hour markers and Arabic numerals indicating the minutes at the outer edge. It is signed 'J.W. Benson, 25 Old Bond Street, London' in the lower section. The auction description reports that the dial is in near-perfect condition, though it possesses a very small and faint hairline crack located at the top right corner.

Evidence for this section
  • “fine gilded gorge case is of slightly smaller than average size”
  • “The dial is near perfect and free of any chips but with a very faint hairline to the top right corner”

Movement and Signatures

The movement is an eight-day, petite sonnerie caliber capable of striking the hours and quarters, with the additional functionality of a push repeat mechanism. The striking system utilizes two gongs housed within the case.

Identification of the manufacturer is confirmed by the Drocourt stamp located on the back plate of the movement, as well as a Drocourt oval mark found on the reverse side of the dial. The clock is recorded with the serial number 16949.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement strikes the hours and quarters with the addition of push repeat”
  • “The clock has the Drocourt stamp on the back plate and the Drocourt Oval on the reverse of the dial”
  • “The clock is numbered 16949”

Provenance and Dating

The clock is associated with the makers Alfred and Pierre Drocourt, who operated a factory in Saint-Nicolas-d'Ailermont. The firm was known for supplying clocks to retailers in Paris and international markets. The son, Alfred, succeeded his father, Pierre, during the 1870s.

Based on the serial number 16949, the auction description dates the production of this clock to the period between 1875 and 1880.

Evidence for this section
  • “The son, Alfred, succeeded his father Pierre sometime in the 1870's”
  • “The clock is numbered 16949 which puts the date to circa 1875-80”

Open research questions

  • Confirm the exact correlation between Drocourt serial numbers and production dates
  • Further investigate the history of the J.W. Benson London premises in relation to French carriage clock imports

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.W. Benson Petite Sonnerie Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDrocourt“carriage clock by 'Drocourt' for J.W.Benson”
RetailerJ.W. Benson“carriage clock by 'Drocourt' for J.W.Benson”
Serial number16949“The clock is numbered 16949”
FunctionPetite sonnerie“quarter chiming or 'petite sonnerie' carriage clock”
Case dimensions150 x 80 x 70 mm“150 × 80 × 70 mm”
Case materialGilded brass“fine gilded gorge case”

Visible details

  • Gilded gorge style case
  • White dial with black Roman numerals
  • Two internal gongs visible for striking mechanism
  • Signed J.W. Benson on the dial

Research qualifications

  • The exact date is estimated based on the serial number
  • Source notes a very faint hairline crack to the top right of the dial

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

Consulted source

Fine Petite Sonnerie Carriage Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e8af3f328a

Terms in this record

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

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