Drocourt Giant Carriage Clock for Martin & Co.
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1883
This 'Giant' size carriage clock was manufactured by the French clockmakers Drocourt for the retailer Martin & Co., based in Cheltenham, UK. The clock features a strike mechanism for the hours on a mellow gong and a push-repeat function activated via a button on the top.
It is powered by a movement designed to run for a week on a single winding. The clock is accompanied by its original outer leather case and winding key, with both pieces sharing the serial number 9217, which is also stamped on the clock's backplate alongside the Drocourt oval mark. An inscription on the top of the carry handle states the piece was presented to the Reverend T.P. Little by the parishioners of Orenhall and Pauntley in 1883, providing a precise date for the object.
The movement has been fully restored and serviced.
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
- Drocourt
- Duration
- One week
- Retailer
- Martin & Co.
- Serial Number
- 9217
- Place recorded
- France
- Factory Location
- Saint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont
- Striking Mechanism
- Hour strike and push repeat
- Maker / attribution
- Drocourt
- Year of Manufacture
- 1883
- Provenance Inscription
- To The Rev'd T.P.Little, from the Parishioners of Orenhall and Pauntley 1883
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved inscription on the top handle • Gilt metal case with glazed side panels • Engraved floral gilt dial surround • Roman numeral chapter ring
- Movement and Function
- The movement is contained within the gilt carriage clock frame and is signed with the Drocourt oval stamp on the backplate. The timekeeping mechanism is designed for a one-week duration on a single winding. The clock includes an audible striking mechanism, characterized as a mellow gong strike for the hours. A push-repeat function is also incorporated, which is triggered by a button located on the top of the clock.
- Case and Exterior Features
- The clock is categorized as an exceptionally large or 'Giant' carriage clock. It features a gilt metal case with glass side panels, allowing a view of the movement from the side profiles. A carry handle is mounted to the top of the case, which serves as the site for a commemorative inscription. The object retains its original leather outer case, which houses the clock. The leather case and the winding key are both numbered 9217, providing a direct link to the serial number found on the movement's backplate.
- Production and Attribution
- The clock was manufactured by Alfred and Pierre Drocourt, who operated a factory in Saint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont, a center for carriage clock production. Following manufacture, the clock was retailed by Martin & Co., based in Cheltenham, UK. The inscription on the handle identifies the recipient as the Reverend T.P. Little, indicating the clock was a gift from the parishioners of Orenhall and Pauntley in 1883. This date establishes the chronological context for the production and distribution of the piece.
Identification
- Serial number
- 9217
- 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: The restoration history is mentioned but the extent of replacement parts is not specified
- Research required: Attribution to Drocourt is based on the backplate stamp and retailer association