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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

James McCabe double fusee carriage clock

Partially verified

This mid-19th century English carriage clock by James McCabe features a gilded brass case fitted with a ribbed hinged handle and thick bevelled glass side panels. Its rectangular silvered dial displays black Roman numerals, minute divisions, blued steel hands with fleur-de-lis accents, and an inscription reading 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London. No. 3096'. The auctioneer describes an eight-day chain-driven double fusee movement with a lever escapement that strikes on a coiled gong, alongside a signed backplate and a brass rear case door fitted with shuttered winding apertures and a slow/fast regulation lever.

Front three-quarter view of the James McCabe brass double fusee carriage clock
Front three-quarter view of the James McCabe brass double fusee carriage clock — Gorringes. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
James McCabe
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
264
Source-reported date
mid-19th century
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
3096

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 brass case featuring a ribbed hinged handle and thick bevelled glass panels on the sides.

Visible physical observations of the casing include patination, tarnishing, rubbing, and general surface wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “brass case with ribbed hinged handle, inset with thick bevelled glass panels to the sides”
  • “Visible patination, tarnishing, rubbing, and surface wear on the brass casing and base.”

Dial and Inscriptions

The clock features a rectangular silvered dial with Roman numerals and a dotted minute track. The time is indicated by blued steel hands.

An inscription is engraved on the dial below the center: 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London. No. 3096'.

Evidence for this section
  • “silvered dial with Roman numerals signed 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London. No. 3096', and blued steel hands”
  • “Dial engraved below the center: 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London. No. 3096'.”

Reported Movement and Features

The auction description specifies an eight-day, chain-driven double fusee movement with a lever escapement, which strikes on a coiled gong. The backplate is stated to be signed.

The rear of the case is described as having a brass door with shuttered winding apertures and a slow/fast regulation lever.

Evidence for this section
  • “eight day chain driven double fusee movement with lever escapement, signed backplate and striking on a coiled gong”
  • “the brass case back with slow/fast regulation lever and shuttered winding holes”

Open research questions

  • Are there records available to verify the serial number 3096 against James McCabe's production logs?
  • What is the physical extent of the tarnishing and surface wear mentioned in the condition notes?
  • Can the internal movement and backplate signature be verified as authentic?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for James McCabe double fusee carriage clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and LocationJames McCabe, Royal Exchange, London“signed 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London. No. 3096'”
Movement TypeEight-day chain-driven double fusee movement with lever escapement“eight day chain driven double fusee movement with lever escapement”
Height15 cm (excluding handle)“15cm high, not including the handle”
Striking MechanismStriking on a coiled gong“striking on a coiled gong”
ProvenanceThe Streatfeild Collection“Provenance: The Streatfeild Collection”
ProvenanceThe Streatfeild Collection“Provenance: The Streatfeild Collection”
Height15 cm (excluding handle)“15cm high, not including the handle”

Visible details

  • Rectangular gilded brass case with thick bevelled side and top glass panels showing internal movement elements.
  • Ribbed folding handle mounted via scrolled brass supports at the top.
  • Rectangular silvered dial with Roman hour numerals, dotted minute track, and blued steel hands.
  • Dial engraved below the center: 'James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London. No. 3096'.
  • Visible patination, tarnishing, rubbing, and surface wear on the brass casing and base.

Research qualifications

  • Movement mechanics, signed backplate, striking mechanism, and rear shuttered door are reported by the auction catalogue but not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Mechanical functionality and running condition are untested and unverified.

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

Consulted source

At Auction: James McCabe, a fine English double fusee carriage clock

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record d56240e96a

Terms in this record

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

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