French striking Champlevé Enamel Carriage clock

Enamel-carriage-clock

A highly decorative enamelled carriage clock, dating from the c.1880-90s. The cannalée-styled case is champlevé enamelled to the base and top, including the handle. The case is newly regilded, the four pillars particularly displaying the bright gilt finish.

The champlevé enamelled dial is what really distinguishes this clock. On a creamy yellow background, the blue, pink, and wine-red enamelling is vibrant. The gilded dial ring is painted with black Roman numerals separated by white enamel motifs. Blue and pink floral swags adorn the area beyond the chapter ring, and a fine open blue flower in the centre draws the eye.

The striking 8-day movement has the original silvered lever platform escapement, striking the hours and half hours on a coiled steel gong. The movement retains its original silvered bimetallic lever platform escapement, engraved with S & F (for Slower and Faster) for the regulation arm.

The backplate is stamped with the letter B in a circle, a mark which Allix & Bonnert associate with Jules Brunelot in their book, CARRIAGE CLOCKS; Their History and Development. However, more recent findings by Leigh Extence (further to his research in the suppliers to Henri Jacot) reveal that the mark is seen on carriage clocks from the Delepine-Canchy and Baveux workshops, who worked closely together in Saint-Nicolas-d’Aliermont, and so the letter B is likely to be the Baveux trademark. Either way, it is often found on better quality carriage clocks, indeed I have only seen it on enamelled or porcelain panelled carriage clocks.

The glasses to all sides and top are bevelled, in good condition.

Polished steel hands.

The movement is currently being overhauled, updated photos to follow. The clock will be guaranteed for 3 years.

  • Height: 17.5 cms
  • Width: 9.5 cms
  • Depth: 8 cms