A French bamboo case carriage clock with porcelain panels, circa 1880

Description

7-cm polychrome painted porcelain dial depicting birds in a landscape signed F. Gardon, Roman numerals and blued steel hands, 8-day movement with platform anchor escapement numbered 1295 and monogram G.B., rack half hour striking on a gong with repeating on demand, gilt brass bamboo case with silvered rings, similar polychrome painted panels by the same painter to the back door and sides.

The bamboo case was devised because of the increasing demand for Oriental objects and art in the latter half of the 19th Century. It is a type of case that was more difficult to make than most and was used only by the better makers. The porcelain panels and dial were hand painted by F. Gardon. Clearly this clock was not just used as a clock but also as a decorative object for an interior. Besides a clock, the owner also had four paintings!