Carriage Clock by Wurtel
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1845
This ornate gilt carriage clock is attributed to Wurtel and dated to circa 1845 in Paris, France. Preserved in the Science Museum Group collection, the clock is housed in an elaborately engraved rectangular case with an overhead hinged handle and glass panels.
The engraved gilded dial mask encloses a main white enamel chapter ring displaying Roman numerals, along with two subsidiary white enamel dials below. The museum records indicate that the clock features hour and half-hour striking, an alarm, and a calendar mechanism.
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
- Type
- Carriage clock
- Maker
- Wurtel
- Functions
- Hour and half hour striking, alarm and calendar
- Place recorded
- France
- Date of Manufacture
- c. 1845
- Maker / attribution
- Wurtel
- Place of Manufacture
- Paris, France
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved gilt rectangular case decorated with scrolling foliate engraving across the front, base, and handle. • Hinged top handle with turned and engraved details. • Main white enamel dial featuring black Roman hour numerals and open-tipped Breguet-style hands. • Two lower subsidiary enamel dials, one calibrated 1 to 31 for date and the other calibrated 1 to 12. • Top repeat or strike button visible on the upper glass plate.
- Case Construction
- The clock is housed in a gilt rectangular case featuring scrolling foliate engraving on the front, base, and handle. The top handle is hinged and features turned and engraved detailing. The case incorporates glass panels. A push-piece button is visible on the upper glass plate, described in the records as a repeat or strike button.
- Dial Configuration
- The face consists of an engraved gilded mask surrounding a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and open-tipped Breguet-style hands. There are two lower subsidiary enamel dials; one is calibrated 1 to 31 for the calendar function, and the second is calibrated 1 to 12 for the alarm.
- Attribution and Recorded Functions
- The item is attributed to Wurtel of Paris, France, with a recorded date of circa 1845. Museum records state the clock features hour and half-hour striking, an alarm, and a calendar mechanism. Internal components, including the movement and escapement, are not visible in the available documentation.
Identification
- Reference
- co1028
- 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: Internal movement, escapement mechanism, and rear case layout are not visible in the supplied photograph.
- Research required: Mechanical complications are recorded from source documentation rather than directly inspected.