Henry Capt Geneva carriage clock with calendar and alarm dials
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th C.
Maker / issuer
Henry CaptThis 19th-century brass and glass carriage clock is designed in an Aesthetic faux-bamboo style, featuring ring-turned columns at each corner and a matching hinged handle atop a dark-finished stepped case.
The white enamel dial features black Roman hour numerals, outer Arabic five-minute markings, and the maker signature Henry Capt Geneve. Three subsidiary dials positioned beneath indicate the day of the week, alarm time, and calendar date. A beveled oval or rectangular top window reveals the escapement platform, while clear beveled side panels expose the brass movement inside.
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
- Dimensions
- 6”H x 4.5”W x 4”D
- Dial Signature
- Henry Capt Geneve
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Subsidiary Dials
- Date, day and alarm
- Maker / attribution
- Henry Capt
- Movement Inscription
- Aigulles
Design
- Visible features
- • Turned brass faux-bamboo columns frame the four case corners and form the articulated carrying handle. • The white enamel primary dial shows Roman hour numerals and is signed 'HENRY CAPT GENEVE'. • Three subsidiary dials are set in a horizontal row below the main dial, showing day of the week, 12-hour alarm setting, and numerical day of the month. • Beveled glass panels enclose the movement, including a viewing aperture on the top plate. • The top plate and plinth moldings exhibit a contrasting darkened, patinated finish against the gilded brass elements.
- Dial Configuration and Indications
- The primary time display features a white enamel dial showing Roman hour numerals, signed 'HENRY CAPT GENEVE'. The auction description similarly records the dial signed as 'Henry Capt Geneve'. Arranged horizontally beneath the main dial are three subsidiary indicators. The auction house notes it 'Includes three additional dials, including date, day and alarm', visibly laid out as the day of the week on the left, a 12-hour alarm setting dial in the center, and the day of the month on the right.
- Case Architecture and Aesthetic Design
- The lot is catalogued as a 19th-century carriage clock measuring 6 inches high, 4.5 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, constructed from brass and glass. Visible features include turned brass faux-bamboo columns that frame the four case corners and form the articulated carrying handle. Beveled glass panels enclose the movement, including a viewing aperture on the top plate. The top plate and plinth moldings exhibit a contrasting darkened, patinated finish against the gilded brass elements.
- Reported Movement Marks and Accessories
- The cataloguer notes that the back of the works is signed 'Aigulles' (likely a misreading of 'Aiguilles' for hand-setting). According to the auction house's condition report, the 'Original key winds clock, alarm sounds, case with heavy wear.' However, neither the key nor the original case are depicted in the primary auction photograph, leaving their precise form unrecorded in this imagery.
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: The auction house notes the back of the works is signed 'Aigulles' (likely misreading 'Aiguilles' setting instructions).
- Research required: The original carrying case and winding key mentioned in the auction description are not depicted in the primary photograph.
- Research required: The country of origin is attributed based on the dial signature 'Geneve'.