Joseph Soldano Gorge Carriage Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870
This carriage clock is attributed to the French horologist Joseph Soldano and dates to circa 1870. The timepiece is housed in a gilt brass Gorge-style case featuring engraved decoration on the columns and base, complemented by a folding carrying handle.
The top glass panel provides a view of the engine-turned aperture housing the platform escapement. The white enamel dial displays Roman numerals, a minute track, and Breguet-style steel hands, signed 'DENT 61 STRAND, LONDON'. The movement is an eight-day, two-train system with an English lever escapement and a repeater function controlled by a button on the top. The clock strikes the hour and half-hour on a gong. The movement platform bears the maker's mark 'JS' within a rectangular border.
The clock measures 16 cm by 9 cm by 8 cm and includes a winding key.
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 1870
- Type
- Carriage clock
- Maker
- Joseph Soldano
- Retailer
- Dent
- Case style
- Gorge
- Dimensions
- 16 x 9 x 8 cm
- Escapement
- English lever
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Joseph Soldano
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is constructed within a gilt brass Gorge case, which features extensive, precise engraving along the columns and the base. Beveled glass panels are fitted to the sides and back, facilitating visibility of the clock's internal mechanisms. The dial is composed of white enamel and is fitted with Roman numerals and a peripheral minute track. Breguet-style steel hands are used for time indication. The retailer's name and address, 'DENT 61 STRAND, LONDON', are printed on the dial surface, indicating the clock was supplied for the British market.
- Visible features
- • Engraved gilt brass Gorge-style case • Breguet-style steel hands • Engine-turned aperture on the top • Engraved JS maker's mark on the movement platform
- Movement and Escapement
- The eight-day, two-train movement is designed to strike the hours and half-hours on a gong. It features a repeater mechanism, operated via a button located on the top of the case. The escapement is an English lever type, mounted on a silvered platform. Internal components are visible through the transparent, beveled side and rear glass panels. The maker's mark 'JS' is stamped within a rectangular frame with beveled corners on the platform, identifying it as a product of Joseph Soldano.
- Provenance and Condition
- The clock was supplied by the London retailer Dent, consistent with the engraving on the dial. The auction description reports the object is in very good condition, noting that the gilding is largely intact and the enamel dial is free of cracks. The movement has been serviced and is described as being in working condition, with the original platform escapement still in place. The clock is supplied with a winding key for use by the owner.
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 exact serial numbers of the case and movement are not provided for verification
- Research required: The claim of 'fully serviced' status is based solely on the auction house report