A French gilt cloisonné enamel carriage clock, circa 1870
Description
8-day movement with half hour striking with repeating and alarm, fine gilt brass case with polychrome cloisonné enamel decoration
5,5-cm enamel dial with Roman numerals and star ornament in the centre, subsidiary alarm below in the polychrome cloisonné enamel mask with foliate scrolls, blued steel hands, 8-day spring-driven movement with platform lever escapement, half hour rack striking on a gong with repeating on demand, alarm, unusual gilt brass case with rounded corners and handle throughout adorned with similar cloisonné enamel, beveled glass panels on all sides and raised on round feet
The first generation of carriage clock were obviously made for travel. But after the first success the makers of these clocks looked to further sales by trying to open new markets. Instead of purely being practical they designed clocks that looked good in an interior. This lead to the development of different case types and decorative techniques just as cloisonné enamel or Sevres porcelain. This clock with its rare case and lovely colourful décor probably wasn’t used for travel much but was a stunning piece in somebody’s home as it still could be.
