Drocourt Gorge Case Repeater and Alarm Carriage Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This carriage clock by P. R. Drocourt is presented in a gilt-brass Gorge-style case, placed atop a specialized gilded base with figural corner supports. The white enamel dial is configured with Roman hour numerals, open-worked moon-tipped hands, and a lower auxiliary alarm dial with Arabic numerals.
The dial bears an inscription for Drocourt Fabricant in Paris, which the dealer notes is also signed on the bottom plate. According to the seller, the movement strikes passing half hours, offers repeat on demand, and includes an alarm mechanism, bearing early serial number 4257.
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
- around 1850
- Type
- Carriage clock
- Maker
- P. R. Drocourt
- Functions
- Repeater striking and alarm
- Signature
- Drocourt Fabricant, rue debelleyme paris
- Case Style
- Gorge case
- Serial Number
- 4257
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- P. R. Drocourt
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt-brass Gorge-style case with folding handle and repeat push-button at the top • Main white enamel dial marked with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track • Auxiliary enamel dial below the center featuring Arabic numerals for setting the alarm • Decorative gilt basement stand supported by corner figures appearing as winged sea-nymphs or mermen with fish tails • Breguet-style open-moon hands on the primary dial
- Case Architecture and Stand
- The clock is presented in a gilt-brass Gorge-style case fitted with a folding handle and an upper repeat button. It rests upon a decorative gilt basement stand supported at the corners by sculpted figures resembling winged sea-nymphs or mermen with fish tails. The seller describes this plinth as a 'rarely seen own originally born basement which brings the whole aesthetics of the clock to a new level.' While promoted as original to the timepiece by the dealer, physical verification of the mounting and casting would be required to independently confirm contemporary assembly.
- Movement Details and Seller Claims
- The movement interior, escapement platform, and backplate are not visible in the provided image. Information regarding its mechanical functioning derives strictly from the seller's description, which states that it strikes 'when passing every half hour and on demand' and operates with an alarm. The listing dates the piece to 'around 1850' and reports an '(early number: 4257)'. Additionally, the dealer records that the bottom plate is signed with the same Rue Debelleyme signature as the dial, claims that '[i]t runs and strikes', and notes that the clock '[c]omes with two keys.'
- Dial Configuration and Inscriptions
- The clock features a white enamel main dial with black Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, and open-moon Breguet-style hands. Below the center arbor sits an auxiliary enamel dial with Arabic numerals used for setting the alarm. According to the source, the dial is signed 'Drocourt Fabricant, rue debelleyme paris', though the seller notes that the dial address is 'slightly faded'. The seller also discloses an 'invisible hairline in the right corner of the dial'.
Identification
- Serial number
- 4257
- 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: Source notes an invisible hairline crack in the upper right corner of the dial
- Research required: Seller notes dial address signature is slightly faded
- Research required: Escapement, backplate, and movement interior are not visible in the photograph