Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Masked Dial Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This carriage clock is a French-made timepiece dating to circa 1880. The clock features an eight-day movement with a lever platform escapement visible through a window on the top glass panel. The case is constructed with beveled glass panels on all sides and is decorated with floral ormolu trim around the top and bottom sections. It includes an intricately turned carrying handle. The dial is an engine-turned masked enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals and moon-style hands. The clock stands 17cm tall with the handle in the upright position, measuring 9cm wide and 8cm deep. It is accompanied by a double-ended winding key. , noting some signs of age to the case. The design incorporates a masked dial layout, hiding the movement behind an engine-turned brass plate.

The carriage clock with its rear service door open, displaying the back plate of the eight-day movement.
The carriage clock with its rear service door open, displaying the back plate of the eight-day movement. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
2059
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Circa 1880
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 Exterior

The carriage clock is housed in a brass case featuring beveled glass panels on all sides, allowing for visual access to the internal movement from multiple angles. The exterior is accented with ornamental floral ormolu moldings located at the base and the cornice beneath the carrying handle.

The top of the clock includes an integrated viewing window, which provides direct sight of the platform escapement. The handle is described as intricately turned, finished to match the ormolu detailing found on the case frames.

Evidence for this section
  • “Beveled glass panels to all sides”
  • “Intricately Turned carry handle”
  • “Original lever platform escapement with viewing window”

Dial and Hands

The clock features an enamel dial set within an engine-turned masked brass plate. The design creates a secondary border around the central enamel section where the time is displayed. The markers consist of Arabic numerals.

The time is indicated by a pair of original moon-style hands. The integration of the engine-turned brass plate serves as a primary decorative feature of the clock face.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original enamel dial”
  • “Very fine original moon hands”
  • “Engine turned masked dial”

Movement and Condition

The clock is powered by an eight-day movement. Access to the rear of the movement is provided by a hinged door, which reveals the rear plate and the winding arbors. The auction description reports the movement is in working order.

Regarding the condition of the object, the auction description notes that the case shows slight signs of age. It is supplied with a double-ended winding key.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock is an 8-day French carriage clock”
  • “Working Order, recently serviced”
  • “Good condition for age, showing slight signs of age to the case”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of the movement based on the serial number or layout?
  • Is the engine-turned masked dial a standard production element for this specific maker or a later modification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Masked Dial Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Country of OriginFrance“French made”
Estimated Datecirca 1880“Circa 1880”
Dimensions17cm x 9cm x 8cm“Measures 17cm high with handle up by 9cm wide & 8cm deep”
Movement Type8-day“The clock is an 8-day French carriage clock”
EscapementLever platform escapement“Original lever platform escapement with viewing window”
SKU2059“SKU: 2059”

Visible details

  • Floral relief pattern on the top and bottom case moldings
  • Lever platform escapement visible under the top glass panel
  • Engine-turned metallic mask surrounding the enamel dial
  • Beveled glass panes on all four sides of the case

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the movement is not identified in the source
  • The claim of being 'recently serviced' is an unverified auction assertion

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

Consulted source

Amazing Quality Masked Dial Carriage Clock Antique French 8-Day Carriage Clock C1880

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d08bd92368

Terms in this record

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

Other carriage clock records