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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Unsigned French Carriage Clock

Partially verified

This unsigned carriage clock, attributed to France and dating to circa 1890, features an eight-day going movement. The clock is constructed with a gilt brass case that is fully engraved with foliage and floral motifs. Its rectangular movement is mounted between four pillars and utilizes three separate barrels to power the going, striking, and alarm trains. The movement includes a duplex escapement positioned on a frosted gilt platform, a bimetallic compensation balance, and a flat balance spring regulated by an index. The mechanism is capable of striking and repeating the hours and half-hours on an internal bell. The white enamel dial incorporates time indication, an alarm subsidiary dial, and a date indication. The object is accompanied by its original traveling box. The auction description notes that the case shows slight oxidation and scratches, and it recommends an overhaul for the movement.

Front view of the unsigned French carriage clock and its original traveling box.
Front view of the unsigned French carriage clock and its original traveling box. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
265
Source-reported date
Circa 1890
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 adorned with detailed engravings of flowers and foliage, which cover the external surfaces. The upper section of the case is fitted with a hinged carrying handle, also featuring matching engraved patterns.

The white enamel dial is integrated into the front of the case and includes a main time-telling chapter ring with Roman numerals. Two additional subsidiary dials are located beneath the primary display, designated for the alarm function and the calendar date respectively. The dial is equipped with original hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “entirely engraved with foliage and flowers case decoration”
  • “white enamel dial with alarm and date”
  • “HANDS Original”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is constructed with rectangular gilt brass plates held together by four pillars. It is powered by three separate barrels which provide energy to the going train, the striking train, and the alarm mechanism. The clock is designed to strike and repeat the hours and half-hours on a bell mounted within the housing.

The timepiece is regulated by a duplex escapement, which is situated on a frosted gilt platform. Precision is maintained through the use of a bimetallic compensation balance paired with a flat balance spring. The rate is adjusted using an index regulator.

Evidence for this section
  • “rectangular plates, four pillars, barrels for the going, striking and alarm trains”
  • “duplex escapement on a frosted gilt platform”
  • “striking and repeating the hours and half-hours on a bell”

Condition and Accessories

The auction description provides a grading for the clock, noting its overall condition. The gilt brass case is assessed as having minor wear, characterized by slight oxidation and surface scratches. The movement is reported as being in good working order but is noted to require a professional overhaul to ensure continued performance.

The clock is supplied with its original traveling box, which serves as its primary storage and transport accessory.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 3-6-8 Good Slightly oxidized Slightly scratched”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended”
  • “Accessories Original traveling box”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or workshop responsible for this clock?
  • What are the precise origins of the movement design, given the use of a duplex escapement in this era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Unsigned French Carriage Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerUnsigned“UNSIGNED”
Country of originFrance“FRANCE”
DateCirca 1890“Circa 1890”
Movement detailsGilt brass, rectangular plates, four pillars“Gilt brass, rectangular plates, four pillars”
EscapementDuplex escapement“duplex escapement”
Functions8-day going, half and hour striking, alarm, date“8-DAY GOING, HALF AND HOUR STRIKING WITH ALARM AND DATE”
Case dimensions102mm height, 59mm length, 58mm width“Length 59 Height 102 Width 58”
ConditionSlightly oxidized and scratched case, overhaul recommended“Slightly oxidized Slightly scratched Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended”

Visible details

  • Case features extensive floral and foliage engravings
  • White enamel dial with integrated alarm and date displays
  • Includes an original leather-covered traveling box
  • Duplex escapement mounted on a frosted gilt platform

Research qualifications

  • Movement overhaul is currently recommended
  • Case is described as slightly oxidized and scratched

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

Consulted source

UNSIGNED, FRANCE, CARRIAGE CLOCK, 8-DAY GOING, HALF AND HOUR STRIKING WITH ALARM AND DATE, DUPLEX EXCAPEMENT, GILT BRASS

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record f52ed3aaf9

Terms in this record

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

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