Scherer French Carriage Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1865
This mid-19th-century carriage clock is housed in a gilt-brass Gorge-style case measuring 13 by 8 by 7 centimeters. Attributed to the maker Scherer in Paris and dated to approximately 1865, the timepiece features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and a minute track.
The hours are indicated by blued steel club-pattern hands. The clock is powered by an eight-day movement with twin trains, which drives a striking mechanism for hours and half-hours on a bell, complemented by a repeater function. The escapement is an English lever platform type. The movement and backplate are signed by Scherer. The case includes beveled glass panels and a folding handle, the latter incorporating the repeater activation button.
According to the auction description, the movement has been serviced and overhauled. The clock is noted to have a minor hairline crack in the upper right corner of the dial.
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 1865
- Type
- Carriage clock
- Maker
- Scherer Paris
- Case Type
- Gorge
- Signature
- SCHERER PARIS
- Dimensions
- 13 x 8 x 7 cm
- Escapement
- English lever
- Condition note
- Hairline crack on dial
- Place recorded
- France
- Movement Duration
- 8-day
- Maker / attribution
- Scherer
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is encased in a gilt-brass frame identified as the Gorge model, characterized by its architectural profile. The structure incorporates thick glass panels on all sides, all of which are documented as having beveled edges. At the top of the case, a folding handle is provided for portability, which doubles as the activation point for the repeater mechanism. The dial is constructed from white enamel, displaying black Roman numerals for the hour chapters and an outer track for minute intervals. The time is indicated by blued steel hands in a club pattern. The maker's signature, "SCHERER PARIS," is positioned below the numeral six on the dial surface.
- Visible features
- • Case features beveled glass panels on all sides • Blued steel club hands • Repeater button located on the top handle • Movement visible through glass panels
- Reported Condition
- The auction description reports the clock's condition as very good overall. The gilt-brass case is described as being in favorable condition, with only minimal loss to the gold plating reported. All glass components are stated to be intact, with no breaks or cracks noted in the glazing. Regarding the dial, a small hairline crack is reported in the upper right corner of the enamel. The mechanical components have been serviced and overhauled; the repeating mechanism is noted to be in working order, and the sound produced by the bell is described as clear and resonant.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The interior houses an eight-day movement with a twin-train configuration, responsible for timekeeping and the striking functions. The clock strikes the hours and half-hours on a mounted bell. Furthermore, the timepiece is equipped with a repeating mechanism, activated via the top handle. The escapement is identified as an English lever platform, positioned at the top of the movement and viewable through the upper glass panel. According to the documentation, the movement bears the Scherer signature on both the rear mechanism and the backplate. The auction description reports that the mechanism has undergone a full service and overhaul, confirming that the repeater function operates correctly and produces a clear tone on the bell.
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: Presence of movement serial numbers remains unverified
- Research required: Exact nature of the internal mechanism synchronization and original key status requires verification