A Fine Small Brass Corniche Case Carriage Clock with Alarm and Original Travelling Case

A small, absolutely lovely eight-day alarm carriage clock, signed on the enamel dial T. Martin & Co. 151 Regent Street London W1 Fabrique de Paris, c. 1880. This is a French clock that can be ascribed to Henri Capt, one of the top makers of carriage clocks and retailed by Martin.

The brass case is made in the so-called corniche style and has bevelled glass panels to all sides so that the movement is almost entirely visible. The top has an oval window through which the original silvered platform escapement can be seen. At the back, there is a door giving access to the winding and setting arbors, with the word Aiguilles (hands) and Aigle Réveil (alarm setting hand) and arrows to indicate the direction to turn. The clock is surmounted by a typically shaped carrying handle.

The spring-driven, eight-day movement of this most attractive clock is constructed between plates. It consists of going and alarm trains. The going train has an English lever escapement on a silvered platform with hairspring balance and regulation. It can be adjusted by a regulator pin which can be seen through the window in the top and is accessible through the back door. The alarm indicates the alarm time on a bell.

The rectangular enamel dial has a Roman chapter ring with Arabic five-minute and minute divisions. The time is indicated by a pair of blued-steel hands. The subsidiary alarm dial has a blued steel pointer indicating the alarm time on an Arabic chapter ring with half hour divisions.

The clock can be put in its original leather-covered travelling case for reasons of transport. The original winding key is stored in a specially designed compartment within this case. There is a ribbon on the inside of the lid with the text T. MARTIN & Co, the successor of Henri Capt, 151 Regent Street, London.

It should be noted that the clock is in excellent original condition throughout and keeps exceptional time.

Note on the retailer: Thomas Martin was a retailer of quality clocks in the Victorian period. There are several carriage clocks known to have made for him, e.g. by the famous supplier Drocourt. He also dealt in other types of clocks.

Whether you are a collector or a first-time buyer the choice of pieces will inspire. Each has been carefully selected for its exceptional design and provenance, as well as in many instances its academic significance.

Originality and authenticity are paramount; and using our extensive knowledge and experience in furniture conservation and restoration we can ensure that our clients can buy with absolute confidence.