French Eight-Day Carriage Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This eight-day carriage clock is attributed to French manufacture and dates to approximately 1850. The piece is constructed with a bronze gorge-style case and features ormolu-finished decorative elements, including fluted columns with capitals.
The timekeeping mechanism is equipped with a platform escapement, which is visible through a glazed viewing window located on the top of the case. The clock features an enamel dial signed 'Brook & Son, Edinburgh', indicating the retailer for the French-made movement. It utilizes a gong-striking mechanism and includes a double-ended winding key. The dimensions are recorded as 15.5 cm in height with the handle raised, 8 cm in width, and 7 cm in depth.
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
- circa 1850
- Type
- Carriage clock
- Maker
- French made
- Striking
- Gong striking
- Dimensions
- 15.5cm x 8cm x 7cm
- Escapement
- Original platform escapement
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Brook & Son (Retailer)
Design
- Visible features
- • Enamel dial signed 'Brook & Son, Edinburgh' • Gong striking mechanism • Glazed panels on all sides of the case • Turned carry handle
- Case Construction
- The clock is housed in a bronze gorge-style case, described as a single-piece construction. All sides of the casing are fitted with beveled glass panels, allowing for internal visibility of the movement. The top of the case is mounted with a turned carrying handle. A specific window is integrated into the top section, which serves to display the platform escapement while the clock is in operation. The exterior finish is reported to be original, though the auction description notes slight signs of age corresponding to the object's history.
- Movement and Dial
- This carriage clock is powered by an eight-day movement of French origin. The timing mechanism features a platform escapement, a component visible through the top glazed aperture. The clock also contains a gong-striking function, allowing for periodic audible time indication. The dial is composed of enamel and serves as the mounting point for the hands. It is marked with the name of the retailer, 'Brook & Son, Edinburgh'. The seller reports that the movement is in working order and is supplied with a double-ended winding key for maintenance and operation.
- Condition and Provenance
- The auction description reports that the object maintains its original finish. It is noted to be in working order and recently serviced, though the seller advises prospective owners to inspect the provided photographic documentation to evaluate the condition relative to its age. The clock exhibits minor signs of age-related wear on the bronze and ormolu surfaces. The retailer signature suggests the clock was sold through the Edinburgh firm Brook & Son, though the manufacturing source remains attributed to France.
Identification
- Reference
- 2057
- 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: Retailer signature does not confirm specific French workshop
- Research required: Origin stated as 'French made' by source without maker's mark