A gilt brass carriage clock, Buenos Aires, circa 1890, with two miniature portraits one representing Queen Marie Antoinette of France

V&A — Summary

A gilt brass carriage clock supplied by A Santini, a retailer in Buenos Aires, circa 1890. It imitates late 18th century examples as the miniature portrait of the French Queen Marie Antoinette suggests. Bequeathed by Miss Elizabeth Watts, 1990.

V&A — Physical description

The case of gilt brass, the interior enamelled, set with two miniatures, the dial inscribed A SANTINI CANGALLO 90 BUENOS AYRES Of standard form, the frame of cast and gilt brass comprising a moulded base and top with four half 'barley sugar' columns. On the top are two mounts supporting a cast brass handle; in the top at the front and at the back are panels of bevelled glass; the interior is formed of three coffer panels covered with dark blue enamel. Each panel is painted in gold with scrolling foliage, and in white, with formalized flowers; a musical trophy in white is painted below the dial. Circular dial of gilt brass with painted numerals; finely cut hands of blued steel. On the dial is the name and address of a Buenos Aires retailer. In the centre is an applied floral mount in gilt brass; at either side of the case are oval miniatures on card representing Marie Antoinette and an unidentified lady. Standard movement of French type with repeater operated by a knob on top of the case, movement and case are stampted with the number 1880, and the frame with the number 8; base set with a later gilt copper plate on which are incised details of services carried out on the clock by S.J.Birt and Son of Brill, Buckingham, from November 1972-May 1988.

V&A — Historical context

A portable clock used for travelling

V&A — Object history

The clock was bequeathed by Miss Elizabeth Watt and its leather case was given to the Director of the V&A Mrs Elizabeth Esteve-Coll by a relative of Miss Watt in Scotland.