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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Thomas Cole English brass carriage clock

Partially verified

An English brass carriage clock catalogued under Lot 542 by Lempertz. The clock features an ornate engraved brass case measuring 13.8 cm in height, complete with an articulated top carry loop and a hinged front strut or foot. The silvered dial is finely engraved with scrollwork and foliage, showing Roman numerals alongside blued steel hands. Originating from London during the mid to second half of the 19th century, it is signed 'THO. COLE. LONDON' on both the dial and movement plate, housing an eight-day movement with an anchor escapement.

Front view of Thomas Cole engraved brass carriage clock with silvered dial and folding handle
Front view of Thomas Cole engraved brass carriage clock with silvered dial and folding handle — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Thomas Cole
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
542
Source-reported date
mid to second half 19th C.
Country
United Kingdom

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 Construction and Ornamentation

The object is described as an English brass carriage clock featuring an engraved case. The design incorporates a folding top handle and a central folding forward foot.

The total height of the clock is recorded as 13.8 cm. Documentation regarding the internal case assembly or the condition of the rear movement cover is not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “An English brass carriage clock.”
  • “H 13.8 cm.”

Dial Configuration

The clock is fitted with a silvered dial accompanied by blued steel hands. The dial displays the signature 'THO. COLE. LONDON'.

The dial is engraved with foliate flourishes and features a Roman numeral chapter ring.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered dial with blued steel hands.”
  • “Signed to the dial and the plate THO. COLE. LONDON.”

Mechanism and Operational Status

The timepiece houses an eight-day movement with an anchor escapement. The signature 'THO. COLE. LONDON' is also located on the movement plate.

The source reports the clock is in working order, noting that some small screws are lost.

Evidence for this section
  • “Eight day running with an anchor escapement.”
  • “Signed to the dial and the plate THO. COLE. LONDON.”
  • “In working order, only some small screws lost.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the missing screws mentioned in the source?
  • Does the source imply the 'small screws' relate to the movement mounting or internal components?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Cole English brass carriage clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureTHO. COLE. LONDON“Signed to the dial and the plate THO. COLE. LONDON.”
DialSilvered dial with blued steel hands“Silvered dial with blued steel hands.”
Movement Duration and EscapementEight day running with an anchor escapement“Eight day running with an anchor escapement.”
Height13.8 cm“H 13.8 cm.”
Origin and PeriodLondon, mid to second half 19th C.“London, mid to second half 19th C.”
Auction Result4,960 EUR“Result: 4.960 € (incl. premium)”
DatingMid to second half 19th C.“London, mid to second half 19th C.”

Visible details

  • Intricately engraved gilt-brass case with scrollwork borders and a matching folding top handle
  • Silvered dial center and spandrel area engraved with ornate foliate flourishes surrounding a Roman numeral chapter ring
  • Central folding forward foot engraved to match the case decoration

Research qualifications

  • Rear movement plate, escapement, and internal components are not visible in the photograph
  • Source notes some small screws are lost and reports it in working order without formal timing evaluation

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

Consulted source

An English brass carriage clock. - Lot 542

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record d4bd87c21a

Terms in this record

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