Beschreibung:

A FINE FRENCH ENGRAVED BRASS GIANT GRANDE SONNERIE STRIKING AND REPEATING CARRIAGE CLOCK UNSIGNED, CIRCA 1870 The eight-day two train movement configured with ting-tang striking for the quarters on a graduated pair of coiled gongs and the hour sounding at every quarter hour on the larger of the two, the going train with silvered platform lever escapement regulated by sprung split bimetallic balance and the backplate stamped with serial number 280 to the lower left-hand corner, the 3 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial disc with blued steel spade hands set within a fine rectangular engraved gilt brass mask decorated in the late 17th century style with cherubs amongst foliate strapwork to apron flanked by female terms supporting husk decorated upper border interrupted by pendant masks over further scrollwork engraved into a matted ground, the thick bevel glazed corniche type case with foliate engraved faceted-baton centred hinged handle over oval top glass set within fine allegorical mask and foliate scroll engraved borders, with floral train decorated cavetto moulded cornice and caddy moulded corner uprights finely decorated with further female terms supporting baskets of flowerers to the rounded sections, the rear with hinged door, on cavetto moulded skirt base further engraved with 17th century style foliate strapwork into a matted ground, the underside with Hours and Quarters/Silent/Quarters Only strike selection lever. 22cm (8.75ins) high with handle down, 13.5cm (5.25ins) wide, 12cm (4.75) ins deep. The very fine engraved decoration, large proportions and grande-sonnerie striking renders the present clock a particularly impressive example. Therefore, the reason why the maker, or even a retailer, chose not to sign it does come across as a little baffling, however this is not at all unusual with regards to even the best quality French carriage of the period. A cursory survey through the usual reference works (and auction catalogues of notable collections) has failed to identify other examples closely related to the present lot; although a clock with significant similarities in the case, most notably the carrying handle, attributed to the specialist maker of fly-back calendar work, Victorien Boseet, is illustrated in Roberts, Derek CARRIAGE and Other Travelling Clocks on page 222 (Figure 13-26). Condition Report: The movement appears complete and all-original with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The platform escapement is missing three of its four securing screws hence is not secured properly, consequently the contrate is not meshing with the escape wheel pinion causing the train to run-through when wound. The escapement appears free from visible damage (balance staff and escapewheel pivots appear sound) but is somewhat gummed-up with dry oil. There is no visible damage to the escape wheel pinion or contrate wheel. The strike train appears intact and will just about operate however there are issues with the gathering of the racks which most likely due to being gummed-up or slight misalignment rather than serious wear. Being a giant carriage clock the strikework is more heavily engineered than normally encountered. The dial has a very small/short scratch to the centre between the VIII and IX numerals otherwise dial appears free form visible faults. The case is in sound original condition however the lower pin for the rear door pivot is missing hence door is not secure. The rear door glass has fairly significant edge chipping across the top, the front and side glasses have corner chips. The case otherwise is in good original condition retaining traces of original gilding. Generally a very fine clock with exceptional engraving which presents as an eminently viable restoration project. There is no winding key present. Condition Report Disclaimer