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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Miniature Chinoiserie Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This miniature carriage clock is a gilt brass timekeeper, attributed to French manufacture circa 1890, and carries the serial number 8147. It is designed with a "Bambu" gilt bronze frame. The clock features four-sided porcelain panels, including the side walls and back door, all of which are decorated with Chinoiserie scenes set against an ivory-colored ground. The dial is also constructed from porcelain, maintaining decorative consistency with the case, and is fitted with blued steel spade hands. Measuring 78 x 54 x 45 mm, excluding the handle, the clock utilizes an eight-day going movement. This movement is housed in a brass rectangular frame equipped with a going barrel and a lateral lever escapement, visible through a glazed panel on the top of the case. A matte silvered platform supports the balance, which is monometallic and features a flat balance spring and index regulator.

Miniature Chinoiserie carriage clock with gilt bronze faux bamboo frame and painted porcelain panels.
Miniature Chinoiserie carriage clock with gilt bronze faux bamboo frame and painted porcelain panels. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
8147
Catalogue / lot identifier
178
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
8147

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 Design

The clock is housed in a gilt bronze case styled with bamboo-like molding. This "Bambu" frame surrounds porcelain panels that serve as both side walls and the back door, while the dial itself is composed of porcelain. The surfaces are decorated with Chinoiserie-style scenes, which are rendered against an ivory-colored ground. The dial includes radial Roman numerals and minute divisions around the perimeter, complemented by blued steel spade hands.

The top of the case incorporates a glazed viewing window, specifically positioned to allow a clear view of the clock's escapement mechanism. The overall aesthetic is unified through the application of the painted porcelain panels across the structure. The dimensions of the piece are recorded as 78 mm by 54 mm by 45 mm, excluding the height of the carrying handle.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt bronze ?Bambu? with porcelain side panels and back door painted with Chinese-style scenes”
  • “Porcelain, decorated en suite with the case, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions”
  • “glazed top for viewing the escapement”

Movement and Escapement

The timekeeping is powered by an eight-day movement with a going barrel. The mechanism is mounted within a rectangular brass frame. The escapement is a lateral lever type, situated on a matte silvered platform located at the top of the movement.

The regulating components include a monometallic balance wheel paired with a flat balance spring. An index regulator is employed to adjust the timing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass rectangular with going barrel, matte silvered platform, lateral lever escapement, monometallic balance, fl at balance spring, index regulator”
  • “Overhaul recommended”

Condition and Identification

The object is identified as French in origin with the number 8147, dating to approximately 1890. Specific evaluations for individual components indicate the case is in good condition, with the note that it has been slightly restored.

The dial is also described as being in good condition with original hands. The movement is categorized as good, though as noted previously, the current report advises a professional overhaul to maintain its operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “French, No. 8147. Made circa 1890.”
  • “Case: 3-32 Good Slightly restored”
  • “Dial: 3-01 Good HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the question mark present in the source text regarding the "?Bambu?" style description?
  • Who was the original maker of this movement, given the presence of a serial number on a French carriage clock?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Miniature Chinoiserie Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFrench“French”
Serial number8147“No. 8147”
Datecirca 1890“Made circa 1890”
Dimensions78 x 54 x 45 mm“78 x 54 x 45 mm. excluding the handle”
MovementEight-day going barrel“eight-day going carriage clock”
EscapementLateral lever“lateral lever escapement”

Visible details

  • Case features faux bamboo molded frame structure
  • Escapement visible through the top glazed aperture
  • Dial features radial Roman numerals and outer minute track
  • Blued steel spade hands match the dial design

Research qualifications

  • Condition report notes the case is slightly restored
  • Movement is listed as requiring an overhaul

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

Consulted source

CHINOISERIE MINIATURE CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH PORCELAIN PANELS French, No. 8147. Made circa 1890. Fine, miniature, gilt brass, eight-day going carriage clock with Chinoiserie porcelain panels.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 9172989415

Terms in this record

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

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