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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Joseph Soldano Gorge Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This carriage clock is attributed to the French horologist Joseph Soldano and dates to circa 1870. The timepiece is housed in a gilt brass Gorge-style case featuring engraved decoration on the columns and base, complemented by a folding carrying handle. The top glass panel provides a view of the engine-turned aperture housing the platform escapement. The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, a minute track, and Breguet-style steel hands, signed 'DENT 61 STRAND, LONDON'. The movement is an eight-day, two-train system with an English lever escapement and a repeater function controlled by a button on the top. The clock strikes the hour and half-hour on a gong. The movement platform bears the maker's mark 'JS' within a rectangular border. The clock measures 16 cm by 9 cm by 8 cm and includes a winding key.

Front view of the Joseph Soldano carriage clock showing the dial signed by Dent, London.
Front view of the Joseph Soldano carriage clock showing the dial signed by Dent, London. — Chequers Antiques / Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Joseph Soldano
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1870
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 Dial

The clock is constructed within a gilt brass Gorge case, which features extensive, precise engraving along the columns and the base. Beveled glass panels are fitted to the sides and back, facilitating visibility of the clock's internal mechanisms.

The dial is composed of white enamel and is fitted with Roman numerals and a peripheral minute track. Breguet-style steel hands are used for time indication. The retailer's name and address, 'DENT 61 STRAND, LONDON', are printed on the dial surface, indicating the clock was supplied for the British market.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این قطعه در سبک کلاسیک Gorge و از برنج طلاکاری‌شده (Gilt Brass) با نقوش ظریف و دقیق حکاکی روی ستون‌ها و پایه‌ها ساخته شده”
  • “صفحه ساعت مینای سفید دو اینچی بدون نقص بوده و با اعداد رومی مشکی، نشانگرهای دقیقه‌ای پیرامونی و عقربه‌های استیل طرح Breguet تزیین یافته است”

Movement and Escapement

The eight-day, two-train movement is designed to strike the hours and half-hours on a gong. It features a repeater mechanism, operated via a button located on the top of the case. The escapement is an English lever type, mounted on a silvered platform.

Internal components are visible through the transparent, beveled side and rear glass panels. The maker's mark 'JS' is stamped within a rectangular frame with beveled corners on the platform, identifying it as a product of Joseph Soldano.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای کارکرد ۸ روزه و دو قطار چرخ‌دنده (Two-train) است”
  • “پلتفرم نقره‌اندود رقاصک دارای چرخ‌دنگ اهرمی انگلیسی (English lever escapement) بوده و مهر JS درون مستطیل با گوشه‌های پخ‌خورده روی آن حک شده”

Provenance and Condition

The clock was supplied by the London retailer Dent, consistent with the engraving on the dial. The auction description reports the object is in very good condition, noting that the gilding is largely intact and the enamel dial is free of cracks.

The movement has been serviced and is described as being in working condition, with the original platform escapement still in place. The clock is supplied with a winding key for use by the owner.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور نیز به‌طور کامل سرویس و اورهال شده، در وضعیت کاری مطلوب قرار دارد و پلتفرم رقاصک فابریک است”
  • “ساعت همراه با کلید کوک ارائه می‌شود”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific relationship between Joseph Soldano and the retailer Dent during this period?
  • Does the clock's serial number (if present on the movement or case) link to known production records for Joseph Soldano?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Joseph Soldano Gorge Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJoseph Soldano“ساخت فرانسه اثر ساعت‌ساز نامدار Joseph Soldano”
Datecirca 1870“در حدود سال ۱۸۷۰”
RetailerDent“توسط فروشنده سرشناس لندنی Dent عرضه شده است”
Case styleGorge“بدنه این قطعه در سبک کلاسیک Gorge”
EscapementEnglish lever“دارای چرخ‌دنگ اهرمی انگلیسی (English lever escapement)”
Dimensions16 x 9 x 8 cm“ارتفاع ۱۶ سانتی‌متر × عرض ۹ سانتی‌متر × عمق ۸ سانتی‌متر”

Visible details

  • Engraved gilt brass Gorge-style case
  • Breguet-style steel hands
  • Engine-turned aperture on the top
  • Engraved JS maker's mark on the movement platform

Research qualifications

  • The exact serial numbers of the case and movement are not provided for verification
  • The claim of 'fully serviced' status is based solely on the auction house report

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

Consulted source

A Mid 19th Century Carriage Clock by Joseph Soldano

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 85da098d1b

Terms in this record

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

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