Aiguilles Gilded Brass Carriage Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1885
This Aiguilles carriage clock, dating to approximately 1885, features a gilded brass case and a sonnerie movement. The case is detailed with four fluted corner columns entwined with ribbon swags and is supported by four turned feet.
It is topped with a swing handle that includes a central decorative grip. The clock is encased by five beveled glass panels, allowing visibility of the mechanical movement, with a top viewing aperture and a hinged rear door. The gilt dial displays a pierced central filigree panel, encircled by a ring containing black Arabic numerals, and is set with blued steel spade hands. The movement strikes on a gong and incorporates a selection lever on the underside to toggle between Silence and Quarts striking modes.
The object is accompanied by a double-ended gilded brass winding key. The backplate is marked with the name Aiguilles and a serial number.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- c. 1885
- Type
- Carriage clock
- Maker
- Aiguilles
- Dimensions
- 6 1/2" H x 4" W x 3 1/2" D
- Case features
- Fluted corner columns with ribbon swags
- Movement type
- Sonnerie
- Serial number
- 361
- Place recorded
- France
- Striking options
- Silence and Quarts
- Maker / attribution
- Aiguilles
Design
- Case and Dial
- The carriage clock is housed in a gilded brass case measuring 6 1/2 inches in height by 4 inches in width and 3 1/2 inches in depth. Its architecture is defined by four fluted columns at the corners, which are embellished with ribbon swags and capped with domed finials. The clock rests on four turned feet and is equipped with a swing handle featuring a central decorative grip. Visibility of the movement is provided by five beveled glass panels, including a top viewing window and a hinged door on the rear of the case. The gilt dial contains a central panel featuring pierced filigree work. Surrounding this are circular reserves containing black Arabic numerals, with the time indicated by blued steel spade-shaped hands.
- Visible features
- • Four fluted corner columns decorated with ribbon swags. • Central pierced filigree panel on the dial. • Selection lever on the underside marked 'Silence' and 'Quartz'. • Backplate signed 'Aiguilles' with a directional arrow and serial number '361'.
- Signatures and Marks
- The clock includes specific identifying marks on its backplate. The inscription features the name 'Aiguilles' accompanied by a directional arrow. Additionally, the backplate displays the text 'PARIS' positioned above a shield-shaped cartouche containing the initials 'LF'. A unique serial number, '361', is also engraved on the backplate. Furthermore, the underside of the clock base is etched with the labels 'Silence' and 'Quartz', corresponding to the settings of the striking selection lever located in that area.
- Movement and Striking
- The timepiece utilizes a sonnerie movement that strikes on an internal gong. To manage the striking mechanism, a selection lever is located on the underside of the clock. This lever allows the user to switch between 'Silence' and 'Quartz' modes, providing versatility in the clock's audible function. The auction description confirms that the movement is physically complete and clean. However, the operational status of the striking mechanism and the precision of the timekeeping have not been evaluated by the auction house.
Identification
- Serial number
- 361
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Working order and timekeeping accuracy have not been tested.
- Research required: The auction house notes that the absence of a condition report does not imply perfect condition.