A French engraved gilt carriage clock with chaff-cutter escapement, Paul Garnier, circa 1845.

Description

Paul Garnier

With the invention of an easily made but well-functioning escapement that he patented in 1830, Paul Garnier was able to produce travel clocks at a reasonable price. It was an improved version of escapements by Sully and Enderlin, with a semi-circular blade locking and giving impulse to two connected ‘scapewheels. The motion of this semi-circular blade resembles the action of a cutting machine, hence the name ‘chaff-cutter’. The invention was instrumental in Garnier’s success, and it became his signature find, liked and admired by many connoisseurs and collectors alike. After his initial models, he introduced three types of travel clocks simultaneously: series II, III, and IV. This series IV clock stands out for its simple but elegant design. The beautiful foliate engraving embellishing the case, showing great artistry surely wasn’t easy or cheap to produce. Besides the interesting collectable escapement and attractive case, it has early features like the bell-striking and ‘shutters’ in the back door, giving access to the operating arbours. Both aspects further the desirability for collectors. It is no surprise that the renowned author of the standard work on carriage clocks, Derek Roberts, considers this version one of the most elegant ever made. I can only agree with him.

The dial

The enamel dial has Roman numerals and has an subsidiary for alarm below. It is signed Paul Garnier Paris and the Breguet hands are made of blued steel.

Chaff-cutter escapement

The movement is driven by two spring barrels and has a duration of eight days. The clock is equipped with the famous chaff-cutter escapement patented by Paul Garnier as stated above. It has a plain balance. The clock strikes the hours and half hours on a bell by means of rack striking. By pushing the button the last hour that was struck will be repeated. The alarm is driven by a small auxiliary spring barrel. The backplate is also signed Paul Garnier Paris at the left top.

Series IV

The gilt brass case is surmounted by a shaped handle. On top the case has a large glass panel showing the escapement very nicely. The whole case is adourned with finely foliate engraving of very high quality. The front and sides also have glass panels. The solid brass back door is numbered 5288. It is also beautifully engraved and has shutters for the operating arbours. The case has canted corners and is placed on a moulded plinth. Derek Roberts states in his renown book on carriage clocks that; ‘..This case style which evolved circa 1845 is in the author’s opinion one of the most attractive ever produced, the canted corners, the delicate engraving and the design of the handle all complementing each other perfectly. ‘
Lit; Derek Roberts, Carriage and other travelling clocks, 1993. pp.41-68, 86.