Beschreibung:

A rare French petit sonnerie striking carriage clock with two-plane 'chaffcutter' escapement and push-button repeat Paul Garnier, Paris, circa 1840 The eight-day two train movement with two-plane 'chaffcutter' escapement and three-arm monometallic balance set between the plates and striking the hours and quarters on a pair of graduated bells mounted to the backplate signed PAUL GARNIER, H'LR DU ROI PARIS towards upper left hand corner and numbered 1183 to centre, the rectangular engine-turned silvered brass Roman numeral dial with radial design to centre within chapter ring and 'watered-silk' infill incorporating vacant signature plaque to lower margin and with Breguet style blued steel moon hands, the gilt brass one-piece caddy moulded case with hinged slender baton handle above repeat button mounted within the top glass panel and the rear sliding upwards for winding, on cavetto moulded skirt base with inset rounded angles, (strike train with faults), 14.5cm (5.75ins) high excluding handle; with original leather covered outer travelling case. Paul Garnier is recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS as born 1801 and receiving Silver Medals in the Paris Exhibitions of 1827, 34, and 39; and gold medals in 1844 and 49. He worked from various addresses at Rue Taitbout, Paris and died in 1869 leaving the business to his son of the same name who was still exhibiting carriage clocks in the Paris Exhibition of 1889. Paul Garnier is generally credited for being the first maker to essentially standardise the 'petit pendule portative' which was in effect to become the prototype for the archetypal French carriage clock. The current lot with its 'chaffcutter' escapement, engine turned 'watered-silk' dial and squat one-piece case with wooden block insert to underside can be firmly identified as a 'Series I' carriage clock by Garnier as identified by Allix (see Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS pages 56-7). This clock is rare in that it was made with petit-sonnerie striking and has particularly early use of repeat button set into the top glass of the case. IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS Movements, dials and cases: movements and dials are described as relating to the cases in which they are housed in one of the following three ways: the case.... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial started life in the current case. in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are in a case of correct period and type (and may well be original to the movement and dial), however there is evidence to suggest that they may not have started out life together. now in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are no longer in the original case or one of correct period and/or type. Pendulums, weights, winding and case keys: we cannot guarantee that the correct number of weights (where appropriate) and/or keys are present with the clock, nor do we indicate in the catalogue description whether weights or keys are present as many clocks are consigned without them. Please check with the department to establish whether they are present or not prior to bidding. Condition: due to the mechanical nature of clocks and the fact that most are of great age we cannot offer any guarantee as to whether they are in working order or free from major faults or restoration. Although we endeavour to catalogue items in a fair and informed manner, omission of any comments or observations regarding the condition or originality of a clock in the description does not necessarily indicate that it is free from significant faults, restoration or is in working condition. We would strongly advise any prospective purchaser to view the item in person or request a condition report and/or further images prior to bidding. Measurements: dial measurements are given in inches, other dimensions such as height are given in centimetres (and inches for English clocks). The measurement given for the height of