French Carriage Clock with Automata Singing Bird
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Mid-19th century
This mid-19th century French carriage clock, attributed to the Chinese market, is a combined horological and automata device. Standing 34 cm high, the clock features a one-piece case with a three-part handle and bevelled glass panels.
The upper section houses a circular enamel Roman dial with moon hands and a centre seconds hand, positioned above an alarm disc, all mounted on a scroll-engraved mask. The lower section contains an automata singing bird with iridescent wings and a moving beak, set atop a naturalistic tree stump on a pierced base, viewed against a mirrored back. The clock is powered by a spring-driven movement featuring a 'crab-claw' duplex escapement with a steel balance incorporating 'bats wing' timing weights.
The music box mechanism is housed within the stepped plinth and is wound from the side of the base.
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
- Mid-19th century
- Type
- Carriage clock
- Height
- 34 cm (13 3/8 in.)
- Origin
- Made for the Chinese market
- Escapement
- Crab-claw duplex escapement
- Case features
- One-piece style with bevelled glass and mirror back
- Place recorded
- France
- Condition status
- Unrestored condition
- Dial configuration
- Roman dial with centre seconds and alarm disc
Design
- Visible features
- • Carriage clock with integrated lower automata compartment • Bird figure featuring iridescent wings and moving beak • Gilt metal case with cast columns • Dual dial arrangement on upper section
- Clock and Automata Case Design
- The object is designed as a vertical carriage clock. The upper section comprises a case with a three-part handle surmounting a glazed housing. The central portion of this housing contains the timekeeping dial, protected by bevelled glass panels. The dial itself consists of a circular enamel plate featuring Roman numerals, paired with moon hands and a central seconds hand, situated above a dedicated alarm disc. The lower section of the object serves as a display for an automata singing bird. This bird, finished with iridescent wings and an articulated beak, is positioned on a naturalistic tree stump. The background is provided by a mirrored surface inside a rectangular glazed section, flanked by cast decorative columns. The entire assembly sits upon a stepped plinth, which encloses the music box mechanism, wound from the side of the base.
- Movement and Technical Features
- The horological movement is spring-driven and remains in an unrestored state. It employs a 'crab-claw' duplex escapement to govern the rate of the clock. This arrangement includes a steel balance wheel equipped with 'bats wing' style timing weights. The clock architecture is configured with a platform that supports the escapement. The singing bird automata and the clock mechanism are described as currently non-functional. The auction description reports that while the clock platform may tick when power is applied, there is significant discolouration and oxidation on the internal steel components. The singing bird mechanism is noted as having damage to the bellows, and a wheel pivot has sustained a fracture, preventing proper power transmission.
- Condition and Historical Presentation
- Regarding the physical state of the object, the case exhibits general grime and residue consistent with historical storage, such as marks left by packing tape. The aperture surrounding the winding square in the plinth has previously undergone repair. Furthermore, while the repeat mechanism of the clock appears to be intact, the repeat button is presently detached, though it is retained within the case. The documentation attributes the production of the clock to the mid-19th century and specifies that it was created for the Chinese market. It is noted that neither the clock movement nor the music box movement has been fully removed from the case for examination. Professional service and a complete overhaul are suggested by the auction description due to the duration the clock has been idle.
Identification
- 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: Uncertain working state of singing bird bellows and wheel pivots
- Research required: Detached repeat button and general oxidation to steelwork
- Research required: Unverified internal condition of music box and clock movements