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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Japy Frères striking and repeating carriage clock, retailed by O. Berger

Partially verified

This mid-19th-century French carriage clock is attributed to Japy Frères and retailed by O. Berger, Paris. It features a one-piece brass case surmounted by a shaped carrying handle and an upper repeat button situated on a bevelled observation window. The front features a rectangular white enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, and blued steel Breguet-style hands, signed by the retailer below the dial centre. According to the auction source, the internal twin-train movement incorporates a lever platform escapement and strikes hours on a backplate-mounted bell.

Front view of the Japy Frères one-piece French carriage clock retailed by O. Berger
Front view of the Japy Frères one-piece French carriage clock retailed by O. Berger — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Japy Frères
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0331
Source-reported date
mid 19th century
Country
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

The clock is housed in a one-piece brass case that features side-glazed observation windows and rests upon a moulded base.

The upper section includes an articulated brass carrying handle positioned above a large bevelled glass observation window. A repeat button is located on the top of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “The one-piece case surmounted by a brass carrying handle to the top above a large bevelled glass observation window with repeat button”
  • “the sides with further glazed observation windows and terminating in a simple moulded base”

Dial and Visual Features

The dial is a 3-inch white enamel plate decorated with black Roman numerals. The time is indicated by blued steel hands in the Breguet style.

The dial is signed 'O. Berger, Paris' below the center.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 3 inch white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and Breguet-style blued steel hands, signed O. Berger, Paris”

Movement and Attribution

The movement is described as a twin-train mechanism with a lever platform escapement and a bell mounted to the backplate. The source indicates the movement is currently ticking and striking.

The item is attributed to Japy Frères, with retailing by O. Berger, and is dated to the mid-19th century by the auction source.

Evidence for this section
  • “A mid 19th century French one piece case striking and repeating carriage clock Japy Freres”
  • “The twin train movement fitted with a lever platform escapement, striking the hours on a bell mounted to the backplate, currently ticking and striking”

Open research questions

  • Are there manufacturer stamps visible on the movement backplate to substantiate the attribution to Japy Frères?
  • Does the case or movement contain any serial numbers or hallmarks that provide further evidence of production date or location?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Japy Frères striking and repeating carriage clock, retailed by O. Berger
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
RetailerO. Berger, Paris“retailed by, O. Berger, Paris”
Case ConstructionOne-piece case with brass carrying handle“The one-piece case surmounted by a brass carrying handle to the top”
Dial3-inch white enamel dial with Roman numerals“The 3 inch white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and Breguet-style blued steel hands, signed O. Berger, Paris”
Movement MechanismTwin train with lever platform escapement“The twin train movement fitted with a lever platform escapement, striking the hours on a bell mounted to the backplate”
Dimensions18 cm (7 inches) high“18cms (7ins) high.”
Height18 cm (7 inches)“18cms (7ins) high.”

Visible details

  • Rectangular white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel Breguet-style open-tipped hands.
  • Faint retailer signature 'O. BERGER PARIS' printed below the dial ring.
  • Brass one-piece case with moulded plinth base, side glazed apertures, and an articulated top carrying handle.
  • Top repeat plunger visible behind the handle above the upper bevelled glass window.
  • Surface tarnish, patination, and minor wear visible on the brass case and base.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, platform escapement, maker stamps, and backplate bell are not visible in the supplied front photograph; these details rely on auction house cataloguing.

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

Consulted source

A Mid 19th Century French One Piece Case Striking And Repeating Carriage Clock Japy Freres, Re... - Jun 22, 2026 | Bonhams In United Kingdom

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 6ffcef9147

Terms in this record

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

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