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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Richard et Compagnie Repeater Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This French carriage clock, dated to approximately 1880, is constructed in gilt brass in a Portique style. The exterior features fluted columns situated on a stepped base and a matching fluted carry handle. The upper section contains a rectangular, beveled glass pane allowing for the observation of the balance and escapement mechanism. The circular dial, measuring 2.25 inches in diameter, is crafted from gilt metal with an engine-turned (guilloché) center and is set against a reflective silvered mirror mask. The dial features black Roman numerals and an outer minute track, with time displayed via blued steel hands. The clock is powered by an eight-day, two-train mechanical movement, which includes a repeater mechanism that chimes on a coiled gong. The movement utilizes an English lever escapement. The clock measures 20 by 11.5 by 10 centimeters and is supplied with a winding key.

Front view of the Richard et Compagnie gilt brass carriage clock showing the dial and fluted columns.
Front view of the Richard et Compagnie gilt brass carriage clock showing the dial and fluted columns. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Richard et Compagnie
Reference
Not recorded
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 Dial

The clock is housed in a gilt brass case designed in the Portique style. It is characterized by fluted columns that support the structure, resting upon a stepped base. The aesthetic is completed with a matching fluted handle for transport. The top of the clock is fitted with beveled, rectangular glass panels designed to provide a view of the balance wheel and escapement assembly.

The dial is circular with a 2.25-inch diameter, fashioned from gilt metal. It features an engine-turned center surrounded by an outer track of black Roman numerals and minute markers. Blued steel hands are employed for timekeeping. The dial is set within a silvered, mirror-finished mask, which provides a reflective background against the dial plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت با سبک معماری «Portique» و از برنج طلاکاری‌شده (Gilt Brass) شکل گرفته است.”
  • “در طراحی بدنه، ستون‌های شیاردار کلاسیک بر روی پایه‌ای پلکانی قرار دارند”
  • “صفحه ساعت از فلز طلاکاری‌شده با قطر ۲.۲۵ اینچ تشکیل شده که مرکز آن دارای الگوی کنده‌کاری گیلوشه (Engine Turned) است.”

Movement and Mechanism

The clock contains an eight-day, two-train movement. This movement is equipped with a repeater mechanism, designed to strike hours and half-hours on a coiled gong. The regulation of the movement is handled by an English lever escapement. The auction description reports that the movement has undergone a complete overhaul and service, and it is in full working condition.

The backplate of the movement identifies the maker through a specific mark located in the lower-left corner. This mark consists of the initials R&C contained within a circle, accompanied by an image of the Caduceus of Hermes. The inclusion of these symbols signifies the product of the Richard et Compagnie workshop.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای کارکرد هشت‌روزه و دو قطار چرخدنده (Two Train) است که به سیستم تکرارکننده (Repeater) مجهز بوده”
  • “در گوشه پایین سمت چپ صفحه پشتی موتور (Backplate)، نشان تجاری سازنده شامل حروف R&C در یک دایره دور نماد چوبدست هرمس (Caduceus) حک شده”
  • “موتور ساعت نیز سرویس کامل و بازبینی اساسی (Overhaul) شده و کارکرد کاملی دارد.”

Condition and Included Items

The auction description reports that the object is in excellent condition, with no observable damage to either the brass case or the dial. The silvered mirror mask is described as being clean and free of blemishes. The clock is sold as a complete set including a winding key necessary for its operation.

Collectors are advised to perform their own evaluation of the timepiece's specific features. This includes verifying the authenticity of the R&C trademark found on the movement backplate, as well as testing the mechanical integrity of the lever escapement and the smooth functioning of the repeating mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت در وضعیت بسیار عالی قرار دارد و هیچ‌گونه آسیبی در بدنه یا صفحه آن دیده نمی‌شود”
  • “همچنین یک کلید کوک به همراه ساعت عرضه می‌شود.”
  • “برای مجموعه‌داران، توصیه می‌شود اصالت علامت تجاری R&C روی صفحه پشتی، سلامت چرخ‌دنگ Lever و عملکرد روان ضامن تکرارکننده صدا به صورت مستقل ارزیابی شود.”

Open research questions

  • What is the definitive production history of the Richard et Compagnie workshop regarding carriage clock manufacture?
  • How does the internal mechanism layout specifically distinguish this as a high-quality example of an English-style lever carriage clock?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Richard et Compagnie Repeater Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRichard et Compagnie“Richard et Compagnie”
OriginFrance“ساعت مسافرتی (Carriage Clock) فرانسوی”
Datecirca 1880“حدود سال ۱۸۸۰ میلادی”
Dimensions20 x 11.5 x 10 cm“۲۰ × ۱۱.۵ × ۱۰ سانتی‌متر”
Movement TypeEight-day, two-train“موتور ساعت دارای کارکرد هشت‌روزه و دو قطار چرخدنده (Two Train)”
EscapementEnglish lever“چرخ‌دنگ ساعت از نوع Lever انگلیسی است.”
SignatureR&C in circle with Caduceus symbol“نشان تجاری سازنده شامل حروف R&C در یک دایره دور نماد چوبدست هرمس (Caduceus) حک شده”
ConditionServiced and overhauled“موتور ساعت نیز سرویس کامل و بازبینی اساسی (Overhaul) شده و کارکرد کاملی دارد.”

Visible details

  • Case features classic Portique style design with fluted columns
  • Dial center decorated with engine-turned pattern
  • Movement includes a coiled gong repeater mechanism
  • Lower left corner of movement backplate bears R&C mark with Caduceus symbol

Research qualifications

  • Requires independent assessment of the authenticity of the R&C trademark on the backplate
  • Requires verification of the operational state of the repeating mechanism and lever escapement

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

Consulted source

A Repeater Carriage Clock by Richard et Compagnie

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 82bd78cdcb

Terms in this record

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

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