An early French engraved gilt brass striking and alarm carriage clock, Bourdin, circa 1840.

Description

Bourdin

Soon after Paul Garnier had opened a new market for travel clocks, other makers tried to share in his success. One of these early makers was the talented Bourdin who, judging by his clocks, clearly aimed at the higher end of this new market. The quality of his work, with which he sought to entice the better off, is illustrated by this fine clock. The first thing that stands out is the beautiful, intricate foliate engraving of the case and mask surrounding the dials. The crisp sharpness with which the engraving is executed makes it hard to believe it was done by hand. This level of quality never ceases to amaze, and this also applies to the back door. Besides the case, there is also the quality movement with duplex escapement that enables the clock to have an attractive seconds hand. On top of that is the well-made balance that shows the individuality of this fine maker. Finally, for connoisseurs and collectors, there are the interesting early features of the bell striking and winding shutters. A great example of quality and beauty combined in an exceptional clock.

Subsidiary seconds

The 6.5-cm enamel dial has Roman numerals en blued steel Breguet hands. There is a subsidiary seconds below XII. Above VI there is the signature Bourding Hr du Roi, Rue de la Paix 24 Paris. The dial is fitted in a beautifully foliate engraved gilt brass mask with the alarm subsidiary below.

Duplex escapement

The beautifully made movement is numbered 3699 and driven by two spring barrels. It has a duration of eight days which means you need to wind it once a week. The movement is regulated by a well made platform duplex escapement with a bi-metallic balance with large regulation weights. The clock strikes the hours and half hours on a bell by means of rack striking. The last hour struck will repeated when pressing the repetition button on top of the case. There is a alarm mechanism which is activated by winding a small auxiliary spring barrel. The back plate is pierced for two wheel which are mounted with cocks which is an early feature for carriage clocks just as is bell striking.

shutters

The gilt brass Corniche case is throughout embellished with beautiful detailed engraving of foliate scrolls and leaves. It is surmounted by a handle and there is a glass panel revealing the well made escapement. There are further beveled glass panels to the front and sides. The back door is also beautifully engraved and similarly signed in a cartouche. The holes for operating the clock have shutters.