French Double Corniche Case Automaton Carriage Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
Reported as dating to circa 1890, this French carriage clock features a polished brass double corniche-style case crowned by an upper glazed vitrine. Within the upper display, an automaton bird modeled with real feathers sits perched on rockwork among artificial foliage.
The dealer reports that the bird automaton rotates and raises its head on the hour or on demand. Below, a white porcelain dial displays time using black Roman numerals and Breguet-style hands, positioned above an alarm-setting subdial. The dealer notes an eight-day movement providing hour and half-hour bell striking alongside an alarm 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
- Automaton carriage clock
- Case Style
- Double Corniche Case
- Dimensions
- 10-1/2″ High x 4″ Wide x 3-1/2″ Deep
- Dial Material
- Porcelain dial with Roman numerals
- Date of Origin
- Circa 1890
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement Duration
- 8-day movement
- Automaton Function
- Rotating bird that raises its head at the hour and on demand
Design
- Visible features
- • A folding brass carrying handle is mounted to the top of the upper glazed automaton vitrine. • The primary porcelain dial features black Breguet-style hands, positioned above a smaller alarm setting subdial. • The automaton compartment features a feathered miniature bird mounted atop an elevated rocky setting surrounded by artificial botanicals.
- Case Construction
- The object features a polished brass double corniche-style case. The design incorporates an upper glazed vitrine intended for the display of an automaton. A folding brass carrying handle is mounted to the top of the upper glazed vitrine.
- Automaton Mechanism
- The automaton component consists of a miniature bird modeled with real feathers, positioned on an elevated rockwork setting amongst artificial foliage. The dealer reports that the bird rotates and raises its head at the strike of each hour, with the capability to perform on demand.
- Timekeeping and Display
- The primary time display utilizes a porcelain dial with black Roman numerals. A subsidiary subdial is positioned on the face for the configuration of the alarm. The movement is described as an eight-day mechanism providing an hour and half-hour bell strike alongside an alarm function.
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: No specific maker or workshop signature is stated in the description or visible on the front dial.
- Research required: Rear movement plate, escapement, and internal gearing are not visible in the provided photographs.