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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Pendule d'officier

Louis George Pendule d'Officier Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This antique German carriage clock, styled as a 'Pendule d'Officier', is attributed by the source to Louis George in Berlin circa 1790. It features a fire-gilt bronze case decorated with oak and laurel leaf reliefs, disc feet, and a top carrying handle shaped like a serpent. The white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals and is inscribed with the maker's name and 'A BERLIN'. The source reports a full-plate brass movement driven by a chain fusee mechanism with verge escapement and a ring balance, incorporating quarter-hour and hour striking, repeat functions, and an alarm with five hammers on two bells.

Three-quarter front view of the gilt-bronze Louis George Pendule d'Officier carriage clock
Three-quarter front view of the gilt-bronze Louis George Pendule d'Officier carriage clock — Auktionen Dr. H. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
drouot.com
Category
Clock · Pendule d'officier
Maker / attribution
Louis George
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
285
Source-reported date
circa 1790
Country
Germany
Source-reported serial
4046

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 External Construction

The clock is housed in a fire-gilt bronze rectangular case standing 185 mm tall. The design includes a concave top section surmounted by a serpent-shaped carrying handle, with the front and sides decorated in laurel and oak leaf relief motifs.

The base of the clock rests on turned disc-style feet. The dial and back are enclosed by glass, and the side panel features a pull cord for the alarm function.

Evidence for this section
  • “bronzo, dorato a fuoco”
  • “dimensioni 185 mm”
  • “parte superiore concava sormontata da un manico a forma di serpente”
  • “fianchi e parte anteriore con decorazioni a foglie di alloro e quercia”
  • “piedini a forma di disco”

Dial and Mechanism

The white enamel dial features Arabic numerals and is inscribed with the maker's name. The movement is described as a round, full-plate brass movement.

Technical specifications include a chain-fusee drive, verge escapement, and a ring balance. The clock is equipped with quarter-hour and hour striking, a repeat function, and an alarm system utilizing five hammers and two bells.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quadrante: smalto”
  • “movimento a piastra intera rotonda in ottone di ottima fattura, catena/fusée”
  • “scappamento a verga, bilanciere ad anello, 5 martelli / 2 campane”

Provenance and Documentation

The clock is identified by the source as movement number 4046 and dated to circa 1790. It is attributed to the Berlin-based maker Louis George (1743–1812).

The auction house reports the mechanism as functional, though they note that a cleaning is recommended. Internal components such as the striking levers on the rear are mentioned in the source description.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movimento n. 4046”
  • “1790 circa”
  • “funzionante, si consiglia la pulizia”
  • “leve di suoneria a cremagliera finemente satinate applicate sul retro”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific serial number records for Louis George that verify the attribution of movement number 4046?
  • Does the decorative style of laurel and oak leaf relief correlate with other documented Pendule d'Officier clocks by this maker?
  • What is the physical condition of the internal movement plates and rear-mounted striking levers, which are noted in the text but not visible in the provided image?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis George Pendule d'Officier Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Number4046“Movimento n. 4046”
Case Dimensions185 mm“dimensioni 185 mm”
OriginGermany“provenienza: Germania”
Case Material and FinishFire-gilt bronze“bronzo, dorato a fuoco”
EscapementVerge escapement“scappamento a verga”
Striking Mechanism5 hammers and 2 bells“5 martelli / 2 campane”
MakerLouis George“Louis George - Orologiaio del Re”

Visible details

  • Gilt-bronze rectangular case with laurel garland decoration and a snake-form top handle
  • White enamel dial with Arabic hour and minute numerals, signed 'Louis George' and 'A BERLIN'
  • Side panel features an ornate circular floral rosette and a hanging pull cord for the alarm function
  • Rests on four turned disc-style gilt feet

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement plates, rear glass cover, and bell work are not visible in the provided image
  • Working order described by the auction house ('funzionante, si consiglia la pulizia') is not independently verified

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

Consulted source

Louis George - Orologiaio del ... | Set di pendoli e caminetto: offerte

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 73a5861130

Terms in this record

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

Other pendule d'officier records