Clocks · Carriage clock
One-piece striking repeating carriage clock
- Maker / attribution
- Unrecorded in source
- Date
- c. 1860
- Historical period
- Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Carriage clock
- Dimensions
- Height 14 cm
- Stock no.
- Product 3312
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, The Antique Clock Company (product 3312)
- Catalogue title (original)
- ONE-PIECE STRIKING REPEATING CARRIAGE CLOCK (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by The Antique Clock Company (dealer), Dorset (stock number Product 3312), this is a carriage clock, dated c. 1860. 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
Discover the charm of this high-quality gilded carriage clock, a perfect blend of craftsmanship and functionality. Its “one-piece” gilded case features smaller, elegant proportions, making it both compact and refined. The design is accentuated by a large glass top aperture, offering a captivating view of the mechanism within. The clock boasts a pristine enamel dial, paired with “moon” blued steel hands, embodying timeless elegance and sophistication. These classic details enhance its aesthetic appeal, making it a standout piece in any setting. This exceptional clock is powered by an 8-day duration mechanism, striking the half-hours and hours on a bell with clear and melodious tones. It also features a push button repeating function, allowing the time to be announced on demand. Retaining its original lever escapement, this carriage clock ensures reliability and historical authenticity. Ideal for collectors and connoisseurs of fine timepieces, this carriage clock combines functionality, style, and historical charm. Its compact size and exceptional quality make it a true testament to horological excellence. 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.
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