Clocks · Carriage clock
Gilded gorge cased grande sonnerie carriage clock with alarm
- Maker / attribution
- Unrecorded in source
- Date
- c. 1880
- Historical period
- Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Carriage clock
- Dimensions
- Height 14 cm
- Stock no.
- Product 3315
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, The Antique Clock Company (product 3315)
- Catalogue title (original)
- MAGNIFICENT GILDED GORGE CASED GRANDE SONNERIE CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH ALARM (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by The Antique Clock Company (dealer), Dorset (stock number Product 3315), this is a carriage clock, dated c. 1880. The Atlas places it in the Industrial Revolution period (1850 – 1900) of its Clocks collection. Recorded dimensions: Height 14 cm. The record is illustrated with 3 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — The Antique Clock Company
This exceptional Grande Sonnerie carriage clock is a masterpiece of horological artistry, housed in a stunning gilded gorge case. The clock is presented in remarkably original condition, featuring a large top glass aperture that showcases the original bi-metallic, jewelled lever escapement, a hallmark of outstanding craftsmanship. This clock offers the luxurious functionality of Grande Sonnerie striking, with a melodic “ting-tang” chime on two gongs that marks the quarters, half, and three-quarter hours, followed by the hour strike. The petite sonnerie and silent options can be effortlessly selected using a discreet lever at the base, catering to your preference for quiet elegance or full chime performance. Additional Features Integrated alarm function, blending practicality with charm. Bevelled white glass panels, all in superb and original condition, enhancing the clock’s visual appeal and ensuring clear visibility of its intricate details. A fully original movement, preserved in outstanding condition, delivering both reliability and authenticity. This Grande Sonnerie carriage clock is not only a remarkable timepiece but also a captivating work of art. Perfect for collectors and admirers of fine craftsmanship, it combines technical excellence with refined aesthetics, making it an unparalleled addition to any collection or decor. Secure this extraordinary timepiece today and celebrate the enduring allure of classical horology. Height: 5 ½” or 14 cm
Provenance
Private collection, UK
Historical context
Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)
American interchangeable-parts manufacture; railroad time standards; Swiss and German factory systems.
Factory production transformed the clock into an everyday object. American makers (Seth Thomas, Ansonia, Waterbury) and German factories (Junghans, Gustav Becker, Lenzkirch) sold millions of shelf, wall and alarm clocks worldwide; France produced standardised Paris movements and carriage clocks; electric time distribution began.
Read the period in the timelineMore clocks from this periodEarlier: Precision & Scientific Horology
Atlas type guide
Carriage and travel clocks
The carriage clock is a portable spring clock with a balance-wheel escapement and a brass case with glass panels and a carrying handle. Abraham-Louis Breguet made early examples around 1800, and from the 1830s Paul Garnier and other French makers industrialised production, with the small towns of Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont and the Franche-Comté supplying movements for retailers worldwide.
Typical features include a platform escapement mounted horizontally on top of the movement (usually a lever, sometimes cylinder or Garnier's chaff-cutter), striking or repeating work, and alarms. English carriage clocks, generally larger and with fusees, were made by firms such as Frodsham and Dent. Travel clocks in folding leather cases became popular in the twentieth century.
What to look for
- A platform escapement visible through the top glass.
- Case styles: corniche, gorge, anglaise, obis or engraved cases.
- Repeat buttons on top and strike/silent levers.
- Stamps of movement makers (e.g. Drocourt, Jacot, Margaine, Richard & Co.) on the backplate.
Dating clues
- Early carriage clocks with Breguet or Garnier features: c. 1800–1850.
- Mass-produced French carriage clocks: c. 1850–1914.
- Folding travel clocks and alarm travel clocks: mostly 1920–1970.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Related records
Clocks · 1830–1870
Wall clock in a papier mâché case with painted decoration. English, mid 19th century.
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Clocks · 1840–1900
Alarm clock, mounted on model of coffin with skeleton, probably English, 1840–1900
Science Museum Group, London
Clocks · 1840–1880
Clock dial marked "Potter, Railway Time" with two hands, unknown maker, British, 1840–1880
Science Museum Group, London
Clocks · 1840–1877
Electric clock of the Bain type
Science Museum Group, London
Clocks · 1840–1878
Mantel clock by A. Brocot, France, 1840–1878
Science Museum Group, London
Clocks · 1840–1880
Wall Clock in octagonal case with Prince of Wales Feathers above makers name "W. Avison, Railway Time, York", made by William Avison, England, 1840–1880.
Science Museum Group, London
Clocks · 1841–1870
Contact bar from electric clock, unsigned, London, England, 1841–1870
Science Museum Group, London
Clocks · 1841–1870
Contactor from electric clock, unsigned, London, England, 1841–1870
Science Museum Group, London